When you want a meal that feels light but still keeps you full, simple ingredients can go a long way. This Lemon Pasta from FeelGoodFoodie brings together spaghetti, garlic, fresh lemon, and Parmesan to create a silky, creamy sauce without using heavy cream. The bright citrus keeps the dish fresh and vibrant, while the pasta and cheese add just enough richness to make it satisfying. It’s a quick, balanced meal that proves light cooking can still be comforting, flavorful, and completely filling.
INGREDIENTS
- 1 pound spaghetti cooked (with ½ cup pasta water reserved)
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 3 tablespoons fresh parsley plus more for serving
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon salt plus more for salting pasta water
- ⅓ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese plus more for serving
- Black pepper for serving
INSTRUCTIONS
- Cook the spaghetti in a pot of salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and reserve ½ cup of the cooking pasta liquid.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the garlic, parsley, and crushed red pepper, and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, cooking pasta liquid, and pasta, and cook until the pasta is heated through, about 1 minute.
- Turn off the heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese until it clings to the pasta.
- Serve with extra parsley and Parmesan cheese, if desired.
