The Ultimate Lemon Pasta Recipe: Your 25-Minute Trip to the Amalfi Coast!

Hello, WiseRecipes readers and fellow lovers of pasta dishes that are bright, fresh, and incredibly easy to make! Are you ready to take a trip to the Amalfi Coast of Italy with just a few simple ingredients and just 25 minutes of cooking? Then you absolutely must try my Ultimate Lemon Pasta recipe! This dish is a pure celebration of sunshine, simplicity, and sensational flavor.

Imagine perfectly al dente spaghetti, beautifully coated in a light yet luscious sauce that’s bursting with zesty lemon, fragrant garlic, a hint of chili, and salty Parmesan, all brightened with fresh basil. This easy 25 minute lemon butter parmesan pasta is proof that you don’t need a long list of ingredients or hours in the kitchen to create a truly flavorful dinner bursting with lemony freshness! It’s the best simple spaghetti with lemon garlic and basil recipe for a quick weeknight escape.

My journey with this Lemon Pasta recipe was all about capturing that vibrant, sun-kissed Italian coastal vibe. We’ll explore how to make quick fresh lemon pasta sauce from scratch that’s both incredibly easy and restaurant-worthy. This flavorful light vegetarian pasta dinner with red pepper flakes is elegant enough for guests yet simple enough for any night of the week.

So, if you’re ready for an Amalfi coast inspired lemon spaghetti recipe that will transport your taste buds and brighten your table, let’s get our pots simmering for this amazing Lemon Pasta recipe!

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Why This Lemon Pasta Recipe is a Burst of Sunshine

If “25 minutes to the Amalfi Coast” isn’t enough, here’s why this Lemon Pasta recipe is simply irresistible:

• Intense Lemony Freshness: The combination of fresh lemon juice and zest creates an incredibly bright, vibrant, and refreshing flavor profile. This is the heart of our Lemon Pasta recipe.
• Quick & Incredibly Easy: True to its promise, this dish comes together in about 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Simple, Elegant Ingredients: Uses just a handful of quality ingredients to create a sophisticated yet approachable meal.
• Light Yet Satisfying: The sauce is light and zesty, not heavy or overly creamy, making it a perfect satisfying meal that won’t weigh you down.
• Versatile: Delicious on its own as a vegetarian main, or serve it as a side dish, or add grilled chicken or shrimp.
• Customizable Heat & Herbs: Easily adjust the amount of red pepper flakes and play with different fresh herbs.
• “Restaurant-Quality” at Home: This Lemon Pasta recipe delivers a taste experience that feels truly special.

Gather Your Zesty Italian Essentials: Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s get our fresh and simple components ready for this delightful Lemon Pasta recipe, based on the provided ingredient list.

Key Ingredients (Serves approx. 4):

• Uncooked Spaghetti (or Linguine/Bucatini): 1 lb.
• Olive Oil (Extra Virgin): 2 tablespoons.
• Unsalted Butter: 2 tablespoons.
• Garlic Cloves: 4, thinly sliced.
• Red Pepper Flakes: ¼ teaspoon (or to taste).
• Kosher Salt: 2 teaspoons (for pasta water, plus more to taste for sauce).
• Grated Parmesan Cheese: ½ cup, freshly grated for best results, plus more for serving.
• Fresh Lemon Zest: 2 tablespoons (from about 2 large lemons).
• Fresh Lemon Juice: ¼ cup (from about 1-2 large lemons).
• Fresh Basil: ¼ cup, chopped or torn, plus more for serving.
• Freshly Ground Black Pepper: For serving.
• Water: 6 cups (for cooking pasta in the same pot method).

Crafting Your Amalfi Dream: Step-by-Step Pasta Guide

Let’s create this vibrant and flavorful Lemon Pasta recipe! The instructions provided hint at a one-pot pasta method, which is fantastic for ease.

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics & Start Pasta (One-Pot Method)

1. Heat Fats & Aromatics: Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat; add the 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Allow the butter to foam, then add the 4 thinly sliced garlic cloves and ¼ teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Be careful not to burn the garlic – you just want it lightly golden and aromatic. This is the flavor base for your Lemon Pasta recipe.
2. Add Pasta, Water & Salt: Add the 1 lb uncooked spaghetti, 6 cups of water, and 2 teaspoons of kosher salt to the pot. Stir to ensure the pasta is submerged.

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Step 2: Simmer Pasta to Al Dente Perfection

1. Bring to Simmer & Cook:Bring the mixture to a simmer. Once simmering, reduce the heat to medium-low and continue simmering for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking, until the pasta is al dente (tender but still slightly firm to the bite).
   • Note: Stirring is important in this one-pot method as the starch released from the pasta helps create the sauce. This is how to make quick fresh lemon pasta sauce from scratch directly with the pasta.

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Step 3: Finish with Cheese, Lemon & Basil!

1. Remove from Heat & Add Goodness: Once the pasta is al dente and there’s a bit of starchy liquid remaining (don’t drain if using this one-pot method, the liquid is part of the sauce!), remove from the heat.
2. Stir in Parmesan & Lemon: Immediately stir in the ½ cup of grated parmesan cheese, 2 tablespoons fresh lemon zest, and ¼ cup fresh lemon juice. Stir vigorously and continuously until the Parmesan melts and the liquid emulsifies with the fats and starch to create a light, glossy sauce that coats the spaghetti. The heat from the pasta will help melt the cheese.
3. Add Basil: Stir in the ¼ cup of chopped fresh basil.
4. Taste and Adjust: Taste the Lemon Pasta recipe. Does it need a tiny pinch more salt? A bit more lemon juice for brightness? Adjust if necessary. The sauce should be zesty, slightly salty, and beautifully balanced.

Step 4: Serve Your Vibrant Lemon Pasta!

1. Plate & Garnish: Divide the hot Lemon Pasta recipe among serving plates or shallow bowls.
2. Top with More Deliciousness: Serve topped with more grated Parmesan cheese, additional fresh basil leaves, and a generous grinding of freshly ground black pepper.
3. Enjoy Immediately: This flavorful light vegetarian pasta dinner with red pepper flakes is best enjoyed right away while it’s warm and the sauce is perfectly luscious. This is truly an Amalfi coast inspired lemon spaghetti recipe experience!

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Wise Tips for the Best Lemon Pasta Ever

Make your Lemon Pasta recipe truly exceptional with these hints:

• Fresh Lemon Juice & Zest are Non-Negotiable: For that bright, authentic Amalfi Coast flavor, freshly squeezed lemon juice and freshly grated zest are absolutely essential. Bottled juice won’t compare.
• Don’t Burn the Garlic: Sauté the garlic gently in the butter and oil until just fragrant and lightly golden. Burnt garlic will make the whole dish bitter.
• Stir Pasta Frequently (One-Pot Method): If cooking the pasta directly in the sauce liquid, stirring often is key to prevent sticking and help release starches to create a creamy sauce for your Lemon Pasta recipe.
• Emulsify the Sauce: After adding the Parmesan and lemon, stirring vigorously helps the fats, starchy pasta water, and cheese combine into a smooth, cohesive sauce rather than a broken or oily one.
• Use Good Quality Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan Reggiano (or a good quality Grana Padano) will melt better and provide superior flavor.
• Fresh Basil Makes a Difference: While dried basil can be used in a pinch in the cooking liquid, fresh basil stirred in at the end and for garnish adds irreplaceable aroma and freshness.
• Adjust Red Pepper Flakes to Taste: The ¼ teaspoon adds a very gentle warmth. Increase it if you like a spicier kick in your Lemon Pasta recipe.

Delicious Variations & Additions to Explore

This Lemon Pasta recipe is wonderfully simple, but here are some ideas:

• Add Protein: Toss in some cooked shrimp, grilled chicken strips, or even some flaked canned tuna (good quality, oil-packed and drained) for a heartier meal.
• Include Veggies: Sauté some asparagus tips, green peas, or baby spinach along with the garlic, or stir them in with the pasta towards the end of cooking.
• Make it Creamier (Optional): For a richer, creamier sauce, you could stir in a tablespoon or two of heavy cream or a dollop of mascarpone cheese along with the Parmesan.
• Different Pasta Shapes: While spaghetti is classic, linguine, bucatini, fettuccine, or even a short pasta like penne or rotini would also be delicious with this lemon sauce.
• Add Capers or Olives: For a briny, more intense Mediterranean flavor, stir in a tablespoon of drained capers or some chopped Kalamata olives.
• Toasted Breadcrumbs for Crunch: Top with some golden toasted Panko breadcrumbs (tossed with a little olive oil and garlic powder) for a delightful textural contrast.

Storing & Reheating Your Zesty Pasta Delight

This Lemon Pasta recipe is best enjoyed fresh, but here’s how to handle leftovers:

• Storage: Store leftover Lemon Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
• Reheating: This pasta is best reheated gently on the stovetop.
  • Stovetop (Recommended): Add the pasta to a skillet with a splash of water, chicken broth, or a tiny bit of olive oil over medium-low heat. Toss or stir gently until warmed through. You might want to add a fresh squeeze of lemon juice and a sprinkle of Parmesan to revive the flavors.
  • Microwave: Possible, but can sometimes make pasta a bit rubbery. Reheat in short intervals, stirring in between. Add a splash of water if it seems dry.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Lemon Pasta Recipe

Your common questions about this bright and flavorful pasta dish:

1. Can I use bottled lemon juice for this Lemon Pasta recipe?
   Freshly squeezed lemon juice is highly recommended. It has a much brighter, more complex flavor than bottled lemon juice, which can sometimes taste a bit dull or metallic. Since lemon is the star, fresh is best!
2. Is this recipe very spicy from the red pepper flakes?
   With ¼ teaspoon, it provides a very mild background warmth, not overt spiciness. You can easily adjust the amount to your preference – omit it for no heat, or add more for a spicier kick.
3. My sauce didn’t get very creamy, what happened?
   If using the one-pot method where pasta cooks in a limited amount of water, the starch released from the pasta is key to creating the creamy emulsion with the butter, oil, and Parmesan. Ensure you stirred frequently while the pasta cooked and then stirred vigorously when adding the cheese and lemon. If you cooked pasta separately and drained all the water, you’ll need to reserve at least 1 cup of starchy pasta water to add back when creating the sauce.
4. Can I use a different type of cheese if I don’t have Parmesan?
   Freshly grated Pecorino Romano would be a delicious and classic Italian substitute. A good quality Asiago could also work. You want a hard, salty, flavorful cheese that melts well into a sauce.
5. What’s the best way to prevent the spaghetti from sticking together when cooking it in the pot with limited water?
   Frequent stirring is the most important thing, especially during the first few minutes after adding the pasta and as the liquid reduces. Ensure there’s enough initial liquid to allow the pasta to move freely at first.

This Lemon Pasta recipe is a true taste of Italian sunshine, a flavorful dinner bursting with lemony freshness that is easy, takes just 25 minutes of cooking, and uses just a few simple ingredients. It’s an easy 25 minute lemon butter parmesan pasta that proves elegance doesn’t require complexity. This best simple spaghetti with lemon garlic and basil recipe will transport you to the Amalfi Coast with every bite!I am so excited for you to try this recipe and experience its delightful simplicity and vibrant taste! If you make this Lemon Pasta, please come back and share your sunny creations in the comments below! Did you add any fun twists? Happy cooking!

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Easy 25-Minute Lemon Pasta (Amalfi Coast Inspired)

This easy Lemon Pasta recipe brings the fresh, vibrant flavors of the Amalfi Coast to your table in just 25 minutes. Made with simple ingredients like spaghetti, fresh lemon, garlic, Parmesan, and basil, it’s a flavorful dinner bursting with lemony freshness.

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Pasta, Vegetarian

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 500

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb uncooked spaghetti
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 garlic cloves thinly sliced
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt for pasta water
• 6 cups water for one-pot method
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese plus more for serving
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon zest from ~2 lemons
• ¼ cup fresh lemon juice from ~1–2 lemons
• ¼ cup chopped fresh basil plus more for serving
• Freshly ground black pepper for serving

Method

 

1. Heat olive oil and butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once butter foams, add sliced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook 1 minute until fragrant.
2. Add uncooked spaghetti, 6 cups water, and 2 tsp kosher salt to the pot. Bring to a simmer.
3. Reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer for 8-10 minutes, stirring frequently, until pasta is al dente and most liquid has been absorbed/thickened by pasta starch.
4. Remove from heat. Immediately stir in ½ cup Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and lemon juice until cheese melts and sauce emulsifies.
5. Stir in ¼ cup chopped fresh basil.
6. Serve immediately, topped with more Parmesan, fresh basil, and freshly ground black pepper.