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Lemon Spaghetti is a quick and easy meal idea. Spaghetti is tossed with lemon, parmesan and simple seasoning in about 15 minutes to serve on a busy weeknight.
This lemon spaghetti is the perfect pasta dish to be served as a side dish, on a pasta bar or a main dish recipe. This light and refreshing sauce is loaded with lemon flavor. You will love the way this pasta taste and how your family cleans their plate.
Spaghetti is on our menu weekly. Make sure to also check out this Easy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti Recipe or this Taco Spaghetti Recipe.
Table of Contents
Why We Love This Recipe
This lemon spaghetti cooks tender and so delicious. Serve with your favorite side dish recipes such as Homemade Garlic Bread or these Cheesy Breadsticks.
I also like to serve a side of roasted asparagus or a side salad with this spaghetti which makes for the perfect Meatless Monday Meal.
Ingredients
- Spaghetti Noodles
- Large Lemons (zested and juiced)
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Salt
- Black Pepper
- Grated Parmesan Cheese
- Chopped Fresh Basil
- Chopped Fresh Parsley
Scroll to the bottom of the post for the full recipe and ingredients in the recipe card.
Variations Ideas
- Choice of Pasta – Feel free to use different types of pasta. Combine the ingredients together with linguine, angel hair pasta, and even fettuccine.
- Add Meat – If you prefer you can add in your favorite meats to this pasta dish. Shrimp, salmon, or shredded chicken would be a delicious addition.
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1 – In a large stockpot, bring 8 cups of water to a boil; salt generously. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
Step 2 – While the spaghetti is cooking, prepare the sauce. In a bowl, whisk together the lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Step 3 – Drain the spaghetti, reserving about 1 cup of the cooking water. Place the drained spaghetti back into the pot or into a large mixing bowl. Pour the lemon sauce over the spaghetti.
Step 4 – Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the spaghetti and toss to combine, making sure the spaghetti is well coated with the sauce.
Step 5 – If the mixture is too dry, add some of the reserved pasta cooking water, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. Stir in the chopped basil and parsley.
Step 6 – Garnish the lemon spaghetti with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs, if desired, and serve immediately. Enjoy!
Recipe Tips
- Salted Water – Make sure the pasta water is well salted; it should be very salty. This helps flavor the pasta itself.
- Cooking Pasta – Ensure pasta is cooked to al dente for the best texture. Overcooked pasta can become mushy.
- No Rinse Pasta – After draining, do not rinse the pasta. The starch that clings to the cooked pasta helps the sauce adhere better.
- Sauce Consistency – The sauce should coat the spaghetti evenly. If it’s too thick, you can thin it out with reserved pasta cooking water.
Frequently Asked Questions
Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5-6 days.
Reheat the leftovers in the microwave or on the stovetop.
More Easy Spaghetti Recipes
- Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe
- Best Crockpot Spaghetti Sauce Recipe
- How to Cook Spaghetti Squash in the Microwave
If you make this Easy Lemon Spaghetti Recipe, please leave us a comment or a star review.
Lemon Spaghetti
Ingredients
- 12 ounces Spaghetti
- 2 Large Lemons zested and juiced
- 1/2 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
- 2 Tablespoons Chopped Fresh Basil
- 2 Tablespoon Chopped Fresh Parsley
Instructions
- In a large stockpot, bring 8 cups of water to a boil; salt generously. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- While the spaghetti is cooking, prepare the sauce. In a bowl, whisk together the lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Drain the spaghetti, reserving about 1 cup of the cooking water.
- Place the drained spaghetti back into the pot or into a large mixing bowl. Pour the lemon sauce over the spaghetti.
- Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the spaghetti and toss to combine, making sure the spaghetti is well coated with the sauce.
- If the mixture is too dry, add some of the reserved pasta cooking water, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
- Stir in the chopped basil and parsley.
- Garnish the lemon spaghetti with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs, if desired, and serve immediately. Enjoy!
