Lemon and Red Pepper Pasta
Brighten up your weeknight dinners with this zesty and flavorful Lemon and Red Pepper Pasta recipe! This quick and easy dish combines tender spaghetti with the bold kick of red pepper flakes, the refreshing tang of lemon zest and juice, and a rich, velvety Parmesan cheese sauce. Sautéed garlic infused in olive oil forms the aromatic base, while a splash of reserved pasta water creates the perfect glossy coating for every strand of pasta. Finished with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness, this 25-minute pasta is a must-try for lovers of simple yet sophisticated meals. Perfect for busy weeknights or a casual dinner party, this recipe offers a vibrant twist on classic Italian flavors that's sure to impress.
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Ingredients
- 300 g spaghetti
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 3 whole garlic cloves
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes
- 2 tsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 50 g Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 120 ml pasta water
Directions
Step 1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 120 ml (1/2 cup) of pasta cooking water and drain the rest.
Step 2
While the pasta cooks, finely chop the garlic cloves and set them aside.
Step 3
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Step 4
Add the chopped garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Step 5
Stir in the red pepper flakes, allowing them to infuse the oil for about 30 seconds.
Step 6
Reduce the heat to low and add the lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
Step 7
Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Gradually add the reserved pasta water (a few tablespoons at a time) to loosen the sauce as needed.
Step 8
Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined.
Step 9
Garnish the pasta with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (571.7g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 1090.6 |
| Total Fat 59.7g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 16.2g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 4.0g | |
| Cholesterol 44.5mg | 0% |
| Sodium 2693.7mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 104.3g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 7.7g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 3.9g | |
| Protein 35.0g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 526.6mg | 0% |
| Iron 6.2mg | 0% |
| Potassium 343.8mg | 0% |
Source of Calories