Easiest lemon spaghetti

Luscious Lemon-Spaghetti Delight: A Simple Gourmet Treat

Cooking Time and Servings

Servings: 2 to 3 | Time: 15 minutes

Key Ingredients

• Coarse salt
• 1/2 pound (225 grams) dried spaghetti
• 1 juicy lemon
• 3.5 ounces (100 grams) of freshly grated parmesan cheese
• Freshly cracked black pepper
• 3 tablespoons (45 ml) of extra virgin olive oil
• A handful of fresh basil leaves, torn

Important Notes

For this recipe, it's best to use a grater to grate the Parmesan cheese. While I usually prefer a stronger cheese, grating it finely is crucial here so it blends easily into the smooth sauce. If you don't have a grater, you can use the fine holes on a box grater, or use a food processor if you prefer a smoother sauce. Choose organic or unwaxed lemons for a more flavorful flavor, but if not, gently wash and dry thoroughly—we want to preserve the precious peel!

Cooking Instructions

Begin by boiling your spaghetti in a generous amount of well-salted water, following the package instructions. As the pasta cooks, zest half of your lemon into a large serving bowl. Squeeze the juice from the entire lemon (around 4 tablespoons) and combine it with the zest. Next, grate the parmesan cheese into the bowl, then drizzle in the olive oil. Season with about 1/2 teaspoon of salt (and adjust to taste) along with several cracks of black pepper. Whisk these ingredients together until they form a smooth mixture.

Once your spaghetti reaches al dente perfection, reserve a cup of the cooking water and drain the rest. Immediately transfer the hot spaghetti to the lemon-parmesan bowl. Using tongs or forks, toss the pasta until every strand is glistening in the cheesy coating. If the mixture feels too thick, gradually incorporate a tablespoon or two of the reserved pasta water until it achieves a silky sauce-like consistency. Don’t overdo it — the goal is to elegantly coat the pasta, not drown it!

Finally, fold in the torn basil leaves for that aromatic freshness. Serve immediately, perhaps with an extra drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkling of salt, pepper, and a pinch more parmesan on top. Trust me, you’ll relish every bite of this zesty pasta treat!