Ina Garten Lemon Pasta Recipe
Looking for a quick and tasty dinner? Ina Garten Lemon Pasta Recipe is perfect for you. This dish is simple, fresh, and full of flavor.
Equipment
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Colander for draining
- Wooden spoon for stirring
- Large skillet or pan
- Zester or grater for lemon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Sharp knife and cutting board
Ingredients
- 1 pound pasta spaghetti or linguine
- 2 lemons zested and juiced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup pasta water reserved
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish optional
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to boil.
- Add pasta and cook until al dente.
- This takes about 8-10 minutes.
- Save 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Drain the pasta in a colander.
- Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Don't let the garlic burn or turn brown.
- Add heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add lemon zest and fresh lemon juice.
- Stir everything together well.
- The sauce will smell amazing and bright.
- Season with salt and black pepper.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet.
- Toss everything together until pasta is coated.
- Add reserved pasta water if sauce seems thick.
- The starch helps the sauce stick better.
- Add grated Parmesan cheese and toss again.
- Transfer pasta to serving plates or bowls.
- Garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh basil.
- Add more lemon zest on top if desired.
- Serve hot and enjoy your delicious creation.
Notes
- Use fresh lemons for the best flavor.
- Bottled lemon juice doesn't taste as good.
- Don't overcook the pasta; keep it al dente.
- Save pasta water before draining; it's very important.
- The starchy water helps create a creamy sauce.
- Use good quality Parmesan cheese, not pre-shredded.
- Freshly grated cheese melts much better.
- Add pasta water gradually; don't pour it all.
- You can always add more if needed.
- Serve the dish immediately after making it.
- The sauce thickens as it sits and cools.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
- Fresh herbs like parsley work great too.