Go Back
–+ servings
Spaghetti al Limone

Spaghetti al Limone

A delicious creamy lemon pasta dish bursting with flavor, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4 servings
Calories 600 kcal

Equipment

  • large pot
  • large nonstick pan
  • Microplane
  • Tongs

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz dry spaghetti pasta Use your favorite brand.
  • ½ cup heavy cream 35% m.f. or coffee cream (10 to 15% m.f.)
  • 1 lemon Scrubbed clean.
  • ¼ cup butter Cut into cubes.
  • 3 oz very finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano Using a Microplane to grate the cheese is best.
  • Freshly ground black pepper

Optional Garnishes

  • 2 handfuls baby spinach
  • 1 cup cooked shrimp or diced cooked chicken.
  • Fresh basil leaves

Instructions
 

  • Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil. Add the pasta to the boiling water and set a timer for 2 minutes less than the cooking time recommended by the manufacturer.
  • While the pasta is cooking, set a large nonstick pan over medium heat. Add the heavy cream, then very finely grate the zest of the lemon into the cream. Mix the zest into the cream and bring the cream to a gentle simmer.
  • Start incorporating the butter, 1 or 2 cubes at a time, whisking to incorporate the butter into the cream as it melts. Keep whisking constantly.
  • Once all the butter is incorporated, lower the heat and start sprinkling the parmesan over the sauce, adding it very gradually and whisking to melt and incorporate.
  • When the pasta timer goes off, use tongs to transfer the pasta to the pan containing the creamy lemon sauce, ensuring some pasta water comes along.
  • Return the saucepan to medium heat. Add ½ cup pasta water to the pan and stir to combine. Bring the sauce back to a simmer and keep it running for 1-2 minutes.
  • Squeeze the juice from the zested lemon and stir it into the dish. Season with a generous amount of black pepper.
  • If using, stir the baby spinach and protein into the pasta and cook for a few seconds more, just until the spinach loses its volume. Garnish with fresh basil, if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

Whisking constantly is key to emulsify the sauce, and don't discard the pasta water, as you'll need it to complete the dish.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 70gProtein: 20gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 600IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 2mg
Keyword cheesy pasta, Creamy Pasta, easy pasta recipes, lemon pasta, shrimp pasta, Spaghetti al Limone
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!