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Spaghetti Limone

Bright lemon-Parmesan spaghetti with a silky pasta-water sauce.

Serves 2Prep 10 minCook 10 minDifficulty easyCuisine Italian

vegetarianmain

−Servings: 2+

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Ingredients

• 8 ozspaghetti
• 2lemons
• ½ cupgrated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cupextra virgin olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente.
2. While the pasta cooks, zest both lemons and juice one lemon (reserve the other for serving).
3. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the spaghetti.
4. In a large bowl, combine the hot drained pasta, lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Toss well to coat.
5. Add reserved pasta water as needed to create a light sauce that coats the pasta.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve immediately, topped with remaining Parmesan cheese and additional lemon zest if desired.

Notes

• Use fresh lemons for best flavor - bottled lemon juice won't provide the same brightness.
• The pasta water contains starch that helps create a silky sauce when combined with the olive oil and cheese.
• For extra richness, you can add a tablespoon of butter at the end.
• This dish is best served immediately while hot.