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Pasta al Limone with Fresh Herbs

A bright and creamy lemon pasta dish enhanced with the freshness of mixed herbs, perfect for a light yet flavorful meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz (340g) spaghetti or linguine
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • Zest of 2 lemons
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (from about 2 lemons)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives
  • Lemon slices or wedges, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain.
  2. In a large skillet, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Stir in the heavy cream and lemon zest, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  4. Add the lemon juice and Parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time if needed to loosen the sauce.
  6. Stir in the chopped fresh herbs just before serving.
  7. Serve immediately, garnished with extra herbs and lemon slices if desired.

Notes

  • Use a mix of herbs for a more complex flavor, but you can also use just one if preferred.
  • For extra richness, add a bit more Parmesan cheese or a pat of butter at the end.
  • Try whole grain or gluten-free pasta to suit dietary needs.

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta al limone, lemon pasta, fresh herbs, vegetarian pasta, Italian pasta