You only need 15 minutes to make this light and refreshing Italian Lemon Pasta recipe. A flavorful and simple pasta dish that makes a great main or side dish.
WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?
Jump to:
Introduction
Are you looking for a quick and easy pasta recipe?
If yes, this pasta with lemon is for you.
Not only is it delicious on its own, but it also pairs perfectly with lemon garlic shrimp, pan-seared scallops or chicken spiedini.
The best part is that it can be made with just a few simple ingredients and is ready in under 15 minutes.
You might be wondering how you can make a lemon pasta sauce without heavy cream.
There are two factors to this traditional Italian technique.
The first is a combination of the pasta water with the cheese. The addition of starchy water emulsifies the oils of the cheese. If you are using homemade pasta, there is a higher starch concentration in the water.
The second is the repetitive tossing of the pasta and shaking of the pan. Since the pasta continues to cook in the pan, tossing it creates friction that releases more starch.
Let me show you how this sauce clings wonderfully to the pasta.
Mise en place
Since we are preparing a fettuccine dish, we need to bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
While we wait, chop or sliver garlic (1-2 cloves) and parsley (½ cup).
Since we are making lemon pasta, we need fresh lemons! Juice 2 lemons and the zest of one.
You also need to grate approximately ½ cup of cheese, plus a little more for serving. Feel free to use pecorino romano or parmesan cheese.
Instructions
By this time, the water should be boiling.
Add the noodles, stir, and cook according to package directions until almost al dente. Feel free to use any long pasta shapes such as spaghetti, fettuccine, tagliatelle, bucatini, etc…
While it is cooking, heat a large skillet over low heat. Add 6 tablespoons of good olive oil.
Add the slivered garlic and a few pinches of red pepper flakes (if using).
Saute for a couple of minutes. Do not let the garlic brown.
When the pasta is almost al dente, drain and reserve about 1-2 cups of the pasta cooking liquid.
Transfer it to the pan.
Add about a ½-1 cup of pasta water and about 5 tablespoons of lemon juice.
Add the chopped fresh parsley and the grated cheese.
Toss together while continuously shaking the pan. Continue to cook for 1-2 minutes until most of the liquid is absorbed. Note: If dry, add more pasta water and continue to toss until you reach your desired consistency.
Taste and if necessary, add a little more fresh lemon juice.
According to your taste, don’t forget to season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Transfer your lemony pasta to a serving dish.
Garnish the cooked pasta with lemon zest, grated cheese and fresh basil. The addition of lemon slices completes this easy lemon pasta recipe.
Tips
- This recipe is great for any pasta that is long, rope-like in shape. Some examples include thin spaghetti, fettuccine, tagliatelle, and bucatini.
- Using high-quality pasta results in a superior dish.
- Add the pasta to the pan when it is almost al dente. It continues to cook in the pan with the lemon juice and the added water.
- Some lemon varieties have more levels of acidity than others. Add the lemon juice gradually, taste and adjust.
- Avoid using bottled lemon juice to make this creamy lemon pasta recipe. If you want the authentic Italian flavor, use only freshly squeezed lemons instead!
- Tossing (continuously) the cooking liquid and the lemon juice with the cheese in the skillet creates a creamy lemon sauce.
- Avoid zesting the white pith of the lemon to prevent a bitter-tasting dish.
- The addition of fresh herbs adds another layer of freshness.
FAQ
Yes, but consider that Meyer lemons are less acidic and sweeter than regular lemons [source].
Once at room temperature, place it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out. Refrigerate and use within 3 days for best quality!
Serving suggestions
Lemon Garlic Shrimp
Add some lemon garlic shrimp and transform this light and refreshing pasta al limone recipe into a quick and easy main course.
This lemon garlic pasta is also great with almost any salad – you’ll be surprised at how well the flavors pair! Some healthy options include this simple Italian salad or this easy-to-make arugula salad.
Easy pasta recipes
If you’re looking for some new and easy pasta dishes to add to your rotation, you’ve come to the right place! These Italian pasta recipes have something for everyone, and they’re all so simple to make. So get your kitchen tools ready, and let’s get cooking! Buon Appetito!
- Sauteed Broccoli and Cavatelli Recipe
- Spaghetti Pasta Recipe
- Pasta with Lentils Recipe
- Easy Tortellini Recipe
- Broccoli Rabe Orecchiette Recipe
- Penne all’ Arrabbiata
Are you looking for more? Be sure to visit the Pasta Category for more options.
Recipe inspiration
In what seems like a lifetime ago, my husband was co-owner of a small Italian restaurant.
Unfortunately, it did not stay open for long.
On a positive note, one of his partners, a professional chef from Italy, taught my husband how to make so many simple pasta dishes, including this linguine with lemon sauce recipe
This main dish has been enjoyed by the whole family for decades. I especially love it when I pair it with my mom’s veal recipe.
Hope you like it as well!
THANKS SO MUCH for following and being part of the She Loves Biscotti community, where you will find Simple & Tasty Family-Friendly Recipes with an Italian Twist.
Ciao for now,
Maria
If this is your first time visiting, welcome! I would love to offer you my FREE weekly e-mail newsletter delivered straight to your inbox. When you subscribe, you will also receive a FREE DOWNLOAD that summarizes my top 10 tips on How to Cook Pasta. You can unsubscribe any time you want.
★★★★★ If you have made this lemon pasta dish aka pasta al limone, I would love to hear about it in the comments below and be sure to rate the recipe!
Recipe
Lemon Pasta Recipe
WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?
Ingredients
- 6 tablespoons olive oil
- 1-2 garlic cloves slivered, or to taste
- ⅛ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes or more, optional
- 1 pound long pasta 1 package (454 grams)
- 1-2 cups reserved pasta water separated
- ½ cup Italian flat-leaf parsley chopped fresh
- 5-6 tablespoons lemon juice approximately 2 lemons
- ½ cup pecorino romano cheese or parmesan cheese plus extra for serving
- salt and pepper to taste
- basil leaves to garnish
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest approximately 1 lemon, to garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
- Add the pasta to the pot of boiling water, stir, and cook according to package directions until almost al dente.
- In a large skillet, over low heat, add olive oil.
- Add the garlic and a few pinches of red pepper flakes, if using.
- Saute, stirring occasionally, for approximately 3-4 minutes. Do not let the garlic brown.
- When the pasta is almost al dente, drain and reserve about 1-2 cups of the cooking liquid.
- Add the pasta to the pan.
- Add about a ½-1 cup of pasta water and about 5 tablespoons of the lemon juice.
- Add the chopped parsley and the grated cheese.
- Toss together while continuously shaking the pan. Continue to cook for 1-2 minutes until most of the liquid is absorbed. Note: If pasta is dry, add a little more pasta water.
- Taste and if necessary, add a little more lemon juice.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Transfer to a serving platter.
- If desired garnish with more grated cheese. basil and lemon zest.
Notes
- This recipe is great for any pasta that is long, rope-like in shape. Some examples include thin spaghetti, fettuccine, tagliatelle, and bucatini.
- Using high-quality pasta results in a superior dish.
- Add the pasta to the pan when it is almost al dente. It continues to cook in the pan with the lemon juice and the added water.
- Some lemon varieties have more levels of acidity than others. Add the lemon juice gradually, taste and adjust.
- Avoid using bottled lemon juice to make this creamy lemon pasta recipe. If you want the authentic Italian flavor, use only freshly squeezed lemons instead!
- Tossing (continuously) the cooking liquid and the lemon juice with the cheese in the skillet creates a creamy lemon sauce.
- Avoid zesting the white pith of the lemon to prevent a bitter-tasting dish.
- The addition of fresh herbs adds another layer of freshness.
Nutrition
This post was originally published on March 27, 2020, and republished on March 1, 2022, with updated content. Thanks for sharing!
Carm
Fabulous easy dish. I think a variety of fresh herbs would also work.
Maria
Thanks so much Carm! Yes, that is a great idea!
Marsha
I made this dish with Gluten Free Jovial brand pasta (used spaghetti). It was great! Absolutely loved it with a cabbage salad with balsamic reduction and a nice glass of red!! Thank you for wonderful recipes that are authentic and rooted in tradition!
Phil
Excellent meal. The lemon wakes up the taste buds, along with a fine red Cab Sav! Love it
Maria
Great combination! Thanks for sharing Phil!
Bon
Absolutely delicious!!! Will make again and add Shrimp.
Maria
Thanks so much for sharing Bon!
Priscilla Estrada
Really good!
Maria
Thanks so much Priscilla!
Dave
Fantastic and easy! Made this with some
home made basil pasta, added shrimp and some Jimmy Nordello peppers, and had it all done before my wife got home after a long day.
Scored major points here
Maria
Great variation Dave! Sounds delicious! Thanks so much for sharing!
Deanne
Maria can this be served cold?
Maria
Although I have never tried it, I think this would be great as a cold pasta salad/side dish. You may have to play around with the overall taste as the flavor can sometimes be less intense with cold foods. Would love to hear about your results if you do decide to try it. Thanks so much for stopping by Deanne!
Cait
This is super quick and so delicious! I surprised my partner with this as he puts lemon on almost everything and didn’t know about lemon pasta! His mind was blown! A new favourite in our household and we make almost weekly now.
Yummm
Maria
So thrilled to read this! Thanks so much for sharing Cait.
Cate
Oh my – finally tried this and it is super delicious. My husband went gaga over it! Will try adding shrimp next time as others have done. This will definitely go on my favourite list of pasta meals! Thanks for sharing – your recipes are just great. Simple but delicious!
Red B
Oh my goodness, this was delicious. I did add shrimp along with the garlic and it was divine. This will be a keeper. Thank you 😁
Maria
Thanks for sharing Red! Sounds like you had a perfect meal!
Linda
This was delicious! I made parchment baked salmon with dill, fresh ginger and a little olive oil rub and served on top!
A keeper!!
Thank you!
♥️
Kathy
This simple recipe is absolutely delicious! Our family loved this lemon pasta dish. It is definitely a keeper, and will be my “go-to” recipe when I need a speedy meal for the whole family to love.
Maria
I am so thrilled to read this! Thank you for sharing Kathy!
Debbi
Love this. I added capers, julienned sun-dried tomatoes and shrimp. Yummy!
Deb
Oh, my this is fabulous!
Thank you for sharing this recipe.
Even my picky eater son enjoyed it.
I’m glad there’s a leftover serving for my lunch today!
Maria
How wonderful Deb! Thanks so much for taking the time to share.