Marcella Hazan's Pasta Al Limone

Indulge in the simple elegance of Marcella Hazan's Pasta al Limone, a timeless Italian dish that celebrates the bright, citrusy flavor of fresh lemons. This creamy pasta recipe combines al dente spaghetti or linguine with a luscious sauce made from butter, heavy cream, and zesty lemon juice, balanced perfectly with the nutty richness of Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a quick yet impressive meal ideal for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining. The secret lies in its silky texture, enhanced with a touch of reserved pasta water, and the vibrant garnish of fresh parsley. Perfectly comforting and irresistibly fresh, this pasta al limone is a must-try for lovers of simple, authentic Italian cooking. Serve it with an extra sprinkle of cheese and freshly cracked black pepper for the ultimate dining experience.

Nutriscore Rating: 53/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 400 grams spaghetti or linguine
• 60 grams unsalted butter
• 120 ml heavy cream
• 2 lemons (zest and juice)
• 60 grams Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, grated
• 1 to taste salt
• 1 to taste black pepper, freshly ground
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti or linguine and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.

Step 2

While the pasta cooks, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the heavy cream and stir until it’s heated through and just beginning to simmer.

Step 3

Grate the zest from both lemons and add it to the cream and butter mixture. Then juice the lemons and add the juice to taste, stirring well. Start with one lemon’s juice and adjust to your preference.

Step 4

Drain the cooked pasta and add it directly to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat the pasta in the sauce evenly. If the sauce looks too thick, gradually add small amounts of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.

Step 5

Stir in the grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese until it’s completely melted and forms a creamy sauce. Adjust the salt and pepper to taste.

Step 6

Serve the pasta immediately, garnished with freshly chopped parsley and additional Parmigiano-Reggiano if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(764.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1749.6

Total Fat 113.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 66.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat g
Cholesterol 312.9mg	0%
Sodium 3435.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 135.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 11.0g	0%
Total Sugars 5.3g
Protein 49.0g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 804.1mg	0%
Iron 4.9mg	0%
Potassium 380.1mg	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: 58.1%

Protein: 11.1%

Carbs: 30.8%