Lemon pasta

Tips: Get the best lemon pasta

We have included a few tips and tricks to help you perfect the taste and texture of lemon pasta.

Zest the lemon correctly

Make sure to zest only the yellow part of the lemon skin. The white pith underneath is bitter and can affect the taste of the dish.

Juicing the lemon

Roll the lemon on the counter before juicing to maximise the amount of juice you get. The pressure from rolling helps break down some of the fruit's inner structures and allows more juice to be released when the lemon is squeezed. This is especially useful if the lemon feels firm or has been refrigerated. Simply press down on the lemon with the palm of your hand and roll it forward and back a few times before cutting and juicing it.

Achieve creamy sauce consistency

If the lemon sauce is too thick or clumpy, slowly add some of the water you cooked the pasta in. The starchy water helps make the sauce smooth and gives it a silky feel.

Enjoy our easy lemon pasta recipe

Lemon pasta is a traditional Italian dish that pairs refreshing flavours with creamy textures. The dish gets its bright tanginess from fresh lemon juice and lemon zest. Together, they balance out the rich, creamy sauce and make for a well-rounded taste experience. With only a handful of main ingredients, you can easily cook up a simple yet elegant meal for friends and family.

For other delicious pasta dishes, try our recipe for a creamy cottage cheese lasagne, spicy pasta arrabbiata, or simple pasta aglio e olio.

With creamy, lemon-infused sauce and Parmesan cheese

The luxurious base of the sauce consists of butter and whipping cream, creating a velvety, rich sauce. On its own, it might be overwhelmingly decadent, but lemon juice and zest come to the rescue. The subtle acidity of the lemon cuts through the richness, balancing the creaminess with a refreshing note. A generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese adds a sharp, cheesy flavour that enhances the creaminess further, making it a well-rounded and delicious dish.

Discover pasta al limone from the sunny south of Italy

What we know as lemon pasta, others know as pasta al limone. The dish has its origins in the coastal regions of Southern Italy. These regions are famed for their incredible lemon groves that produce big, flavourful lemons. Lemon pasta harnesses the fresh tanginess of these citrus fruits, combining them with pasta to create a bright, refreshing meal. While some prefer to add chicken or seafood to the dish, the fresh and bright citrus flavour remains.

Experiment with different ingredients

The classic recipe for lemon pasta is a canvas for creativity. So feel free to add or substitute a few ingredients to make the dish your own. Chicken and sautéed shrimp are two popular options that pair well with the bright lemon flavours and creamy sauce.

If you want to add more colour and freshness, go with rocket salad or spinach leaves and mix them into the lemon pasta just before serving.

Pasta al limone typically uses spaghetti or linguine. However, various pasta shapes like fettuccine, tagliatelle, or penne also work very well and hold the sauce nicely.