Lemon Garlic Pasta

Hello everyone! Today, I’m sharing a fantastic pasta recipe I learned from a friend in Italy. This dish features spaghetti with a creamy lemon garlic sauce that’s both zesty and rich. It’s quick, flavorful, and perfect for any day of the week. Let’s get started!

Ingredients:

• 1 liter water
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 200 grams spaghetti pasta
• 1 lemon
• 3 garlic cloves
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• A drizzle of olive oil
• 200 grams heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon salt
• A pinch of black pepper
• Fresh parsley (to taste)

Instructions:

Cook the Pasta:

1. Boil the Water:
   • In a large saucepan over medium to low heat, add 1 liter of water. Once the water is boiling, add 1 teaspoon of salt.
2. Cook the Pasta:
   • Add 200 grams of spaghetti pasta to the boiling water. Cook for about 10 minutes or until the pasta is al dente.
3. Reserve Pasta Water:
   • Before draining the pasta, use a ladle to scoop out some of the cooking water and set it aside. This starchy water will help thicken the sauce later.
4. Drain the Pasta:
   • Drain the pasta and set it aside.

Prepare the Lemon Garlic Sauce:

5. Prepare the Lemon:
   • Peel the lemon and chop the peel into thin strips, then into small cubes. Squeeze the juice from half of the lemon and set aside.
6. Slice the Garlic:
   • Cut 3 garlic cloves into thin slices.
7. Cook the Garlic:
   • In a large skillet over medium to low heat, add 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter and stir until fully melted.
8. Add Olive Oil and Garlic:
   • Add a drizzle of olive oil to the skillet along with the sliced garlic and lemon peel. Stir until the garlic and peel are slightly golden brown.
9. Add Lemon Juice and Cream:
   • Pour in the lemon juice and 200 grams of heavy cream. Stir until well combined.
10. Season the Sauce:
    • Season the sauce with 1 teaspoon of salt and a pinch of black pepper.
11. Incorporate Pasta Water:
    • Add the reserved pasta water to the skillet and stir again to combine.
12. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
    • Add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Stir until the pasta is well coated with the sauce.
13. Add Garlic Cloves:
    • Add 6 whole garlic cloves to the skillet and stir until everything is combined.
14. Finish with Parsley:
    • Finish by adding fresh parsley to taste.

Serving:

15. Serve and Enjoy:
    • Your lemon garlic pasta is now ready to be served. Transfer it to a serving dish and enjoy this creamy, zesty pasta!

Tips and Variations:

• Vegetable Additions: Feel free to add vegetables like spinach, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Protein Additions: Top the pasta with grilled chicken, shrimp, or your favorite protein for a heartier meal.
• Cheese: For an extra touch, sprinkle some Parmesan cheese on top before serving.

FAQ Section:

Can I use other types of pasta?

• Yes, you can use any pasta shape you like. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type.

What if I don’t have heavy cream?

• You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, though the sauce will be less rich and creamy.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

• While the pasta is best enjoyed fresh, you can make the sauce ahead of time and reheat it when ready to serve. Just add a bit of pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.

How can I make this dish spicier?

• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the sauce for a spicy kick.

What if I don’t have fresh parsley?

• Dried parsley can be used in place of fresh parsley. Just use half the amount and add it to the sauce while cooking.

I hope you enjoyed this recipe! Don’t forget to share it with your friends and leave a comment below with the name of your city – I’ll make sure to leave a heart for you! Thanks for watching, and see you in the next recipe. Bye-bye!