Spring Pasta Limone (Printable)

Bright lemon-butter pasta with parmesan and basil, ready in 15 minutes.

# Ingredient List:

→ Pasta

01 - 200 g dried spaghetti or linguine

→ Sauce

02 - 40 g unsalted butter
03 - 1 large lemon (zested and juiced)
04 - 60 ml (¼ cup) pasta cooking water
05 - 60 g parmesan cheese, finely grated
06 - ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
07 - Salt, to taste

→ To Finish

08 - 1 small bunch fresh basil leaves, torn
09 - Extra parmesan, for serving
10 - Lemon zest, for garnish (optional)

# Steps:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ¼ cup (60 ml) of the cooking water, then drain the pasta.
02 - While the pasta cooks, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the lemon zest and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
03 - Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the butter and toss to coat. Pour in the lemon juice and reserved pasta water.
04 - Sprinkle in the grated parmesan and black pepper. Toss vigorously over low heat until the sauce becomes creamy and clings to the pasta. Adjust seasoning with salt if needed.
05 - Remove from heat. Add the torn basil leaves and toss gently.
06 - Serve immediately, garnished with extra parmesan and lemon zest if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It&s like bottling up springtime and serving it in a bowl—fresh, lively, and lush with basil.
  • Minimal effort means you have more time to sip wine and savor the moment.
02 -
  • If you rush and add parmesan over high heat, it can seize up and get clumpy—turn off the heat before this step.
  • Reserving pasta water is not negotiable; it&s the secret to silky sauce, not soupy noodles.
03 -
  • Grate your own parmesan for a sauce that melts perfectly every time.
  • Add the basil off heat to keep the flavor bright and fragrant instead of wilted and dull.
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