Cracked Pepper Lemon Pasta

Transport your taste buds to gourmet simplicity with this Cracked Pepper Lemon Pasta, a vibrant yet comforting dish bursting with zesty and creamy flavors. Perfectly al dente spaghetti is coated in a luxurious sauce made with fragrant lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, and rich heavy cream, all elevated by a hint of garlic and melted parmesan cheese. The bold kick of coarsely ground black pepper complements the citrus notes beautifully, creating a harmonious balance of heat and brightness. With just 30 minutes from prep to plate, this easy pasta recipe is ideal for weeknight dinners or date nights. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and herbal freshness. Budget-friendly, quick, and packed with flavor, this lemon pepper pasta is sure to become a household favorite!

Nutriscore Rating: 56/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 oz spaghetti
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 2 whole lemons, zested and juiced
• 0.5 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 tsp coarsely ground black pepper
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
• 0.5 cup pasta cooking water

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 0.5 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 2

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and olive oil together. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.

Step 3

Stir in the lemon zest and juice, then lower the heat to medium-low. Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly, and cook for 2-3 minutes until the mixture begins to slightly thicken.

Step 4

Add the grated parmesan cheese to the skillet, stirring until it melts and creates a smooth sauce. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your preferred consistency.

Step 5

Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss to coat the pasta evenly in the sauce.

Step 6

Sprinkle the cracked black pepper and salt over the pasta, mixing well to distribute evenly.

Step 7

Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(874.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1977.5

Total Fat 143.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 73.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 324mg	0%
Sodium 2599.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 121.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 10.8g	0%
Total Sugars 6.2g
Protein 54.2g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 994.7mg	0%
Iron 7.2mg	0%
Potassium 441.4mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 64.8%

Protein: 10.8%

Carbs: 24.4%