An epicurean adventure to: Italy
This one-pan lemon garlic pasta, also known as Pasta al Limone, is a deliciously flavourful dish that is easy to prepare for a weekday dinner when you're short on time.
It reminds us of sunshine, blue skies, warm air, good company, crisp wine and the fragrant scent of lemon orchards.
The combination of lemon zest, lemon juice, lots of garlic, Parmesan and fresh basil creates a bright and tangy, light pasta dish that will undoubtedly leave you wanting seconds.
You can make it in the same amount of time it takes for the pasta to cook. While the pasta is boiling, you can quickly prepare the sauce. Once the pasta is done, just mix in the sauce, and dinner is ready in just 15 minutes.
Pasta al Limone is believed to have originated from the coastal regions of southern Italy, particularly the Amalfi Coast and Sicily.
This lemony, simple pasta dish perfectly showcases the use of fresh lemons, which are abundant in these areas. The combination of citrusy flavours, garlic, herbs and pasta represents the classic and wonderful cuisine of the Mediterranean.
For more quick dinner ideas, try this easy pea fritter recipe, satay chicken stir fry with udon noodles, pasta alla sorrentina or these chicken rissoles.
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Fast facts - Italy
| Location | Italy is located in Southern Europe, bordering France, Switzerland, Austria and Slovenia. |
| Language | Italian is the official language of Italy and it's spoken by the majority of the population. However, there are also many regional dialects and languages spoken throughout the country. |
| Population | Circa 60 million people. |
| Trivia | Mount Etna, located in Sicily, is one of the world's most active volcanoes and is the tallest active volcano in Europe. |
What's to love about this lemon garlic pasta recipe
- A lovely departure from the typical heavy pasta dishes. It's a simple pasta recipe, using fresh, simple ingredients.
- Takes only 15 minutes to make, ideal for a quick dinner on busy weeknights.
- Utilising all parts of the lemons, including the zest and juice.
- Easily scalable for a larger dinner crowd.
- Make it vegan by swapping the parmesan for a vegan hard cheese.
- No heavy cream.
Key ingredients and substitutions
**Please see the recipe card at the bottom of this post for the full recipe and list of ingredients.
The pasta
This recipe pairs perfectly with linguini, but feel free to use any kind of pasta that you prefer.
Options are bow-tie, fusilli, tagliatelle, fettuccine, spaghetti, angel hair pasta, or even orzo to switch things up a bit.
When it comes to pasta, it's worth investing in the best brand within your budget for the optimal taste and texture. The pasta is the star of the show in this recipe, so good quality really shines!
You can make a healthier version by using zucchini/courgette noodles instead of pasta. It's a great way to add more veggies to your dish and reduce the carbs.
Use gluten-free pasta if you're following a gluten-free diet.
Butter
We used unsalted butter. If you're using salted butter, add a little less salt.
Olive oil
Use virgin olive oil, extra virgin olive oil or any good quality flavoured, or unflavoured olive oil that will compliment the lemon and garlic.
Garlic
For this recipe, we'll be using two generous teaspoons of fresh garlic, minced.
If you're feeling adventurous and have some extra time on your hands, you can try using roasted garlic, which adds an amazing flavour to the dish.
Keep in mind that roasted garlic is milder in taste, so you might want to add a bit more garlic to compensate for the reduced sharpness.
Fresh herbs and spices
We're adding a good amount of fresh, chopped basil.
Dill and parsley are also tasty herbs to consider.
And don't forget to generously add black pepper, as it really compliments the flavours in this dish.
Lemons, lemons, lemons
You'll need 70ml of fresh lemon juice and two tablespoons' worth of lemon zest. This roughly equates to three small-medium-sized lemons. This will obviously depend on the size of your lemons, so you may need only two.
Grated parmesan cheese
A lot of it, 100g.
If you prefer, you can use Pecorino Romano as an alternative to parmesan cheese.
We appreciate that both these cheeses can be expensive these days. Alternatively, you can opt for 'grated hard cheese' available in many supermarkets, which tends to be more budget-friendly.
While it won't be exactly the same as real Parmesan, it will still provide a similar taste.
For a vegan version, you can replace the parmesan with vegan hard cheese.
How to make this easy Lemon Garlic Pasta recipe
- Cook the pasta according to the package directions and drain in a colander. Return to the pan.
- While the pasta cooks, make the lemon garlic pasta sauce by combining all the remaining ingredients, bar the parmesan.
- Stir the sauce, followed by the parmesan through the cooked pasta.
- Serve with some garlic bread and a side salad.
Top tips
- When cooking the pasta, it's best to use a generous amount of water in a large saucepan.
This ensures that the spaghetti cooks thoroughly and prevents the strands from sticking to each other.
- Be mindful not to overcook the pasta. To check if your pasta is cooked al dente, consider the following factors:
- Texture - Al dente pasta should have a firm, slightly chewy texture. It shouldn't be soft or mushy.
- Visual clues - When you break a piece of al dente pasta in half, it should have a white, starchy core. If the pasta is uniformly translucent, it's overcooked. If it's opaque or hard in the centre, it's undercooked.
- Don't forget to zest the lemons first before juicing them, otherwise, you will kick yourself.
It sounds obvious but we have made this mistake before when in a hurry!
Variations
- You can incorporate cooked chicken, shrimp, or even grilled fish to make it a heartier and more substantial dish.
- Add sautéed or roasted vegetables such as cherry tomatoes, courgette, bell peppers or asparagus to introduce more colour and texture to the pasta.
- Experiment with different herbs like fresh parsley, oregano or dill.
- If you enjoy some heat, you can add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to give the pasta a spicy kick.
- For a creamy variation on this lemon pasta recipe, stir in a touch of heavy cream or melted butter with the grated Parmesan cheese.
- Toasted pine nuts or almonds scattered on top of the pasta can provide a pleasant crunch.
- Stir in some anchovies for extra depth.
- Instead of using Parmesan cheese, you can use a vegan alternative like nutritional yeast or vegan Parmesan cheese.
- If you prefer to include protein in your dish, you can use tofu, tempeh or plant-based meat substitutes instead of animal-based proteins like chicken or shrimp.
What to serve with lemon garlic pasta
- Top with generous lashings of more freshly grated parmesan, basil and pepper.
- A simple salad makes a great side dish for this pasta.
- Serve with Panzanella Toscana salad.
- Add garlic bread. You can make your own using roasted garlic compound butter.
- Serve as a side to chicken or fish.
- Serve with chilli oil on the side.
- Add a dollop of roasted garlic butter on top.
- Serve with crispy, chilled white wine.
Storage and reheating
To store leftover pasta, you can use an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to three days.
Before storing, allow the pasta to cool down to room temperature. Then, transfer it to the airtight container and make sure to cover it tightly to maintain freshness.
Reheating
To reheat the pasta, you have a couple of options. One way is to add it to a saucepan with a small amount of water. Heat the pasta over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it's heated through.
Alternatively, you can reheat the pasta in the microwave. Place it in a microwave-safe dish and cover it loosely with a lid or damp paper towel. Heat the pasta on high for 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until it's heated through.
Freezing
You can freeze the pasta, but it's important to note that pasta dishes may become slightly mushy after being frozen, defrosted and reheated.
To defrost the frozen pasta, simply remove it from the freezer the day before you plan to eat it and let it thaw in the fridge overnight. Then, follow the reheating instructions mentioned above.
More pasta dishes you might enjoy
Pasta Fredda - Cold Italian pasta salad
Recipe
Lemon garlic pasta (ready in 15 minutes)
Ingredients
For the pasta
- 250 grams linguini - or pasta of choice
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the sauce
- 40 grams melted unsalted butter - add a little less salt if you're using salted butter
- 60 millilitre olive oil
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons chopped basil
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest - this is roughly the zest of about 3 small lemons
- 70 millilitre lemon juice - freshly squeezed
- few generous grinds black pepper
- 100 grams grated parmesan
Instructions
Cooking the pasta
- Add the linguini to a large saucepan with the salt. Cover generously with water. You need about an inch of water above the pasta. This provides enough room for the pasta to cook freely without the strands sticking together.
- Cook according to package instructions, or until al dente. As a guide, it should take about 10 minutes from boiling point.
To make the pasta sauce
- Add the melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, chopped basil, lemon zest, lemon juice and black pepper to a jug, or bowl, and whisk together with a fork.
How to assemble the pasta
- Once the pasta is cooked, drain in a colander and return the pasta to the saucepan.
- Add the sauce and gently stir through. Lastly, add the grated parmesan and toss through.
- Once served into bowls, top with more salt (if required), pepper, fresh basil and lashings of freshly grated parmesan.
**Nutritional data disclaimer**
Please keep in mind that the nutritional information provided below is calculated by a third party and we cannot guarantee the accuracy. We try our best to give you the most accurate information, but we do not take responsibility for errors that may be present. Also, the nutritional value of the recipe may change depending on the exact brands and products used. We recommend that you consult with a qualified healthcare professional or registered dietitian for personalised advice on your dietary needs.
Nutrition
For food safety advice, including guidance on food allergies
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