Using a sliced whole lemon gives unbeatably fresh aroma from the skin, bitter complexity from the pith, and tart, puckery juice from the flesh. Thin slices soften evenly and ensure that the lemon plays nicely with the pasta, butter, and Parmesan.
Provided by Andy Baraghani
Categories Bon Appétit Dinner Lunch Pasta Lemon Butter Parmesan Pepper Vegetarian Soy Free Peanut Free Tree Nut Free Kid-Friendly Quick & Easy
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Cook pasta in a large pot of boiling generously salted water, stirring occasionally, until very al dente, about 2 minutes less than package directions (pasta will finish cooking in the sauce).
- Meanwhile, heat half of the butter in a large Dutch oven or other heavy pot over medium until melted. Add lemon slices and cook, stirring often, until softened and bottom of pot is browned in spots, 5-7 minutes. Using tongs, transfer one-third of lemon slices to a plate; set aside.
- Just before pasta is al dente, scoop out 2 cups pasta cooking liquid. Add 1½ cups pasta cooking liquid to butter sauce. (This may seem like a lot of liquid, but it will thicken once the remaining ingredients are added.) Add remaining butter a piece at a time, whisking until each piece is incorporated before adding more, until the sauce is emulsified and creamy.
- Drain pasta and add to sauce. Cook, stirring often and adding 1 oz. Parmesan a little at a time. Once all of the cheese is added, continue to cook, still stirring, until cheese is melted and sauce is creamy and clings to pasta, about 3 minutes. If sauce looks very thick, add more pasta cooking liquid 1-2 Tbsp. at a time to thin (saucier is ideal as it will thicken as it cools). Remove from heat and sprinkle with an almost ridiculous amount of pepper (about 2 tsp.); toss once more.
- Serve pasta topped with reserved lemon rounds and more Parmesan.
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Deep Sad Lines
[email protected]The pasta was overcooked. I'll be sure to cook it for less time next time.
Wesi Rajpoot
[email protected]This pasta dish was a bit bland. I think I'll add some more salt and pepper next time.
Nahid Sikdar
[email protected]The sauce was a bit too lemony for me. I think I'll add less lemon zest next time.
kamala lama
[email protected]This pasta dish is a bit too rich for my taste. I think I'll try it again with less butter next time.
sky plazzz
[email protected]I made this dish for a dinner party and it was a huge success! Everyone loved the unique and flavorful sauce. I'll definitely be making it again.
Laxmi Gharti
[email protected]This pasta dish is a great way to use up leftover chicken or shrimp. Just add it to the sauce and you've got a complete meal in no time.
Kashif Sirhindi
[email protected]I love that this dish can be made with simple, everyday ingredients. I always have butter, lemon, and Parmesan cheese on hand, so I can whip this up whenever I need a quick and delicious meal.
Rubel Hossain
[email protected]This pasta dish is so easy to make, but it looks and tastes like it came from a fancy restaurant. I'm always impressed with how well the flavors come together.
Bijay Rawat
[email protected]I love the simplicity of this dish. It's made with just a few ingredients, but the flavors really shine through. The browned butter adds a nutty richness, the lemon adds a bright acidity, and the Parmesan cheese adds a salty creaminess. It's a perfec
Jason Fortier
[email protected]This pasta dish is a keeper! I've made it several times now and it's always a crowd-pleaser. The sauce is so easy to make and the flavor is incredible. Highly recommend!
Magdelena Olkers
[email protected]Tried this recipe last night and it was a hit with my family! The sauce was creamy and tangy, and the lemon added a nice pop of freshness. We'll definitely be making this again.
Jayedul Islam
[email protected]This pasta dish was an absolute delight! The combination of browned butter, lemon, and Parmesan cheese created a rich and flavorful sauce that perfectly coated the al dente pasta. I especially loved the addition of lemon zest, which brightened up the