Introduction
Indulge in a bright and flavorful pasta dish that’s perfect for any occasion. This lemon garlic spaghetti combines the richness of butter with the zing of fresh lemon and the savory notes of Parmesan cheese. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can create a satisfying meal that highlights the beauty of fresh flavors.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
– 4 quarts water
– 1 tablespoon coarse sea salt
– 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (⅜ stick)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 16 ounces dry spaghetti (1 pound)
– 2 fresh lemons, juiced and zested; zest divided
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
– 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
– 4 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (Italian flat-leaf preferred)
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: Serves 4
Follow these straightforward instructions to prepare a delectable lemon garlic spaghetti dish that will impress family and friends alike. Enjoy!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Boil Water
Fill a large pot with 4 quarts of water and add 1 tablespoon of coarse sea salt. Set over high heat and bring to a boil.
Melt Butter and Oil
While waiting for the water to boil, melt 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter and 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large sauté pan over low heat.
Add Spaghetti
Once the water is boiling, add 16 ounces of dry spaghetti.
Prepare Lemon and Garlic
Add half of the lemon zest (about 1 tablespoon) and all of the minced garlic to the melted butter and oil mixture.
Set Timer
Set a timer for 5 minutes, stirring both the boiling pasta and the butter mixture frequently.
Transfer Pasta
When the timer goes off, use a spaghetti server spoon to transfer the partially cooked pasta directly from the boiling water into the pan with the butter mixture.
Add Lemon Juice and Cooking Water
Add the lemon juice and 1 cup of the pasta cooking water into the pan with the spaghetti.
Cook in Lemon Sauce
Keep the pan on low heat and cook the pasta in the lemon sauce for an additional 5 minutes, tossing the spaghetti several times to ensure the sauce evenly coats the pasta.
Check Pasta Consistency
Check the pasta every few minutes until it finishes cooking, about 5 more minutes. Add ¼-½ cup of pasta cooking water if needed to maintain the desired consistency.
Add Cheese and Seasonings
Once the pasta is cooked, turn off the heat and sprinkle in ½ cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon of fine sea salt, and 1 teaspoon of ground black pepper. Mix thoroughly.
Plate the Pasta
Divide the pasta onto 4 large serving plates and sprinkle 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley onto each serving.
Serve
Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese, remaining lemon zest, a drizzle of olive oil, and additional salt and pepper, if desired.
Notes
Adjusting Flavor
Feel free to adjust the amount of lemon juice and zest based on your taste preference, as the level of tanginess can vary.
Pasta Cooking Time
Cooking times for spaghetti may vary; always refer to the package instructions for the best results.
Fresh Ingredients
Using fresh parsley and high-quality Parmesan cheese will enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
Storage
Leftover pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of water to restore moisture.
Cook Techniques
Boiling Pasta
Fill a large pot with water, add coarse sea salt, and bring it to a rolling boil before adding spaghetti. Cooking pasta in salted water enhances its flavor and helps it attain the right texture.
Melt Butter and Oil
Combine unsalted butter and olive oil in a pan over low heat. This creates a rich base for the sauce, imparting flavor and ensuring the pasta doesn’t stick.
Infusing Garlic and Lemon Zest
Add minced garlic and half of the lemon zest to the melted butter and oil mixture. Infusing these ingredients releases their aromatic qualities, elevating the overall flavor profile.
Transferring Pasta
Use a spaghetti server to transfer partially cooked pasta directly from boiling water to the sauté pan. This method allows the starch from the pasta to help emulsify the sauce.
Mixing with Sauce
Add lemon juice and a cup of pasta cooking water to the pan and toss to coat. This technique ensures the sauce binds with the pasta for a cohesive dish.
Finishing Cooking in Sauce
Let the pasta continue cooking in the sauce, adding pasta water as needed for consistency. This achieves perfect doneness while absorbing the sauce’s flavors.
Final Seasoning
Once cooked, mix in freshly grated Parmesan cheese, fine sea salt, and ground black pepper. This balances the dish and enhances the savory elements.
Garnishing
Serve the pasta hot, garnished with chopped parsley, extra Parmesan, lemon zest, olive oil, and fresh seasoning. This adds a fresh touch and visual appeal.
FAQ
What type of pasta should I use for this dish?
Using dry spaghetti is recommended, but you could substitute it with any long pasta, such as fettuccine or linguine.
Can I use pre-minced garlic?
While pre-minced garlic is convenient, using fresh garlic will provide a better flavor and aroma.
Is it necessary to use both butter and olive oil?
Using both provides a balance of flavors and helps prevent the butter from burning due to the higher smoke point of olive oil.
Can I make this dish in advance?
Pasta is best enjoyed fresh. If you need to make it ahead of time, undercook the pasta slightly and add the sauce when ready to serve.
What can I substitute for Parmesan cheese?
Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast can be good substitutes if you’re looking for a different cheese or a vegan option.
What can I use instead of parsley?
Fresh basil or cilantro can be good alternatives for garnish, depending on your flavor preference.
How do I prevent the pasta from sticking together?
Cooking the pasta in salted water and tossing it in the sauce helps prevent sticking. Additionally, avoiding rinsing the pasta after boiling is crucial.
Conclusion
This lemon garlic spaghetti is a delightful dish that combines the bright flavors of fresh lemons and garlic with the richness of butter and Parmesan cheese. It serves as a refreshing meal perfect for any occasion, offering a balance of simplicity and elegance. The fresh parsley adds a touch of color and flavor, enhancing the overall dining experience.
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