Lemon Parmesan Pasta
A bright, creamy, and comforting weeknight pasta that comes together in minutes with vibrant citrus and rich cheese.
Ingredients
- •1 pound spaghetti or linguine (450g)
- •6 tablespoons unsalted butter (85g)
- •1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (100g)
- •2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- •1 tablespoon lemon zest
- •1/2 cup reserved starchy pasta cooking water (120ml)
- •2 cloves garlic, minced
- •1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- •1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- •2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
Instructions
- 1
Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente.
- 2
Before draining the pasta, carefully scoop out about 1 cup of the starchy cooking water and set it aside.
- 3
While the pasta cooks, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat.
- 4
Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, making sure not to let it brown.
- 5
Stir in the lemon juice and lemon zest, then reduce the heat to low.
- 6
Add the drained pasta directly into the skillet with the warm lemon-butter sauce.
- 7
Sprinkle the freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta along with a splash of the reserved pasta water.
- 8
Toss vigorously and continuously for 1 to 2 minutes until the cheese melts into a glossy, creamy sauce that coats every strand of pasta, adding more pasta water as needed.
- 9
Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- 10
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and extra lemon zest before serving immediately.
💡 Chef tips
- Always use freshly grated Parmesan cheese from a block rather than pre-shredded or powdered cheese, as it melts much smoother into the sauce.
- Reserve more pasta water than you think you need; it is the secret to transforming butter and cheese into a silky emulsion.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, though the pasta is best enjoyed fresh.
✅ How it should turn out
The finished pasta is glossy and coated in a velvety, bright sauce that smells intensely of fresh lemon and nutty cheese, offering a perfectly balanced tangy and savory flavor.