Pasta al Limone (Lemon Pasta)

5 from 3 votes

Experience the vibrant flavors of Italy with Pasta al Limone. It's easy to make and perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a special occasion.

Prep Time5

Cook Time25

Total Time30

Course: Dinner, Easter, Main Course, Pasta, Side Dish, Vegetarian

Cuisine: American, Italian

Servings: servings

Calories: 512kcal

Author: Susan Ensley

Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add one tablespoon of Kosher salt. Add the Bucatini pasta and cook for two minutes minus al dente.¹Right before the pasta is done, remove two cups of pasta water to use in the sauce. Set the water aside until ready to use. Drain the pasta in a colander.
Add the olive oil and salted butter to a large sauté pan set over medium heat. Once the butter has melted and the mixture begins to sizzle slightly, add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute, until the garlic becomes fragrant. Add the heavy whipping cream, whisk and bring to a simmer. Whisk in ¾ of the lemon zest.
Add the cooked pasta and use a pair of silicone tongs to toss it with the sauce. Add ½ cup of reserved pasta water and 2.5 ounces of freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese. Use the tongs to toss the pasta constantly, until all the cheese has melted completely and is incorporated with the sauce.
Add the lemon juice and 2.5 ounces more of freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, Then, use the tongs to toss the pasta constantly, until all the cheese has melted completely. Add additional pasta and water to thin out the sauce. I added about ¾ of a cup more.²
To serve, top with freshly minced flat-leaf parsley, freshly ground black pepper, red pepper flakes, the remaining ounce of freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, and remaining lemon zest over the top. Serve immediately.³
Yield 6-8 servings.⁴

For the Bucatini I used, the package called for cooking it six minutes for al dente, so I cooked it for four minutes.
I put the remaining reserved pasta water in the refrigerator to use for reheating leftover pasta.
Serve with a Caesar salad and crusty rolls or French bread.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat with the reserved pasta water.