Spaghetti with Lemon & Olive Oil (al Limone)

This pasta came across my google reader and I thought it would pair perfectly with the bread dipping spices, so I made plans to make it as soon as possible. This pasta was light and fresh and full of flavor. It makes for a really elegant meal, especially when topping it with a drizzle of olive oil. I halved the recipe below since it was just for Adam & I, and it was enough for two meals for us. The full recipe below would be great for entertaining 6-8 people and they will think you are so fancy!

Spaghetti with Lemon and Olive Oil (al Limone)
Source: Cook Like A Champion, Adapted from Cook’s Illustrated, January/February 2011

Ingredients:
Kosher salt
1 pound spaghetti
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, plus more for serving

3 tbsp. finely minced onion
1/4 cup fat free half & half (or heavy cream)

2 teaspoons finely grated zest and 1/4 cup juice from 3 lemons

1 ounce finely grated Parmesan cheese (about 1/2 cup), plus more for serving

Freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons Italian flat leaf parsley, chopped

Directions:
Bring 4 quarts of water to boil in a large pot. Once boiling, add 1 tbsp. salt to the water and then add in your pasta. Cook until pasta is al dente. Reserve 1 3/4 cups of pasta water, then drain pasta and set aside.

Now using your empty pot, heat 1 tbsp. of olive oil. Once hot, add onion & 1/2 tsp. salt, cooking until onions have softened. Add in 1 1/2 cups of pasta water & the half & half, whisk to combine. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2 minutes. Remove from heat and add the pasta back into the pot and toss to coat the pasta evenly. Stir in the remaining 3 tbsp. of olive oil, lemon zest & juice, parmesan cheese & pepper.

Cover and allow pasta to stand for two minutes so the sauce can thicken, tossing half way through. Add remaining pasta water and stir in the parsley. Serve topped with a drizzle of olive oil & parmesan cheese.
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Comments

  1. Delicious – I just zested the rest of the lemons from our friend's tree and am needing lots to do now.
    Also thanks for the gummies post – I have been looking for something like that for my 2YO
    Cheers!
    http://decadentphilistines.blogspot.com

  2. Just had to tell you that you have a very cute blog!
    I saw your post on a blogger forum about formatting issues. I thought the name of your blog was so cute, so I had to check it out. Hopefully blogger will get things fixed!
    I look forward to trying some of your recipes and happy to have found your blog.

  3. Macaroni and Cheesecake says

    Thanks Allison! Hope you enjoy the gummies!

    Ashley so glad you found my blog! thanks so much! 🙂 I really hope they get things fixed soon!

  4. I love this pasta and have made it quite a few times since posting about it. I'm glad you guys enjoyed it, too! By the way, your blog header is too cute. 🙂

  5. Audrey Ellen @ My Scene and Herd says

    I love dishes that are simple and comforting, this looks so good.
    You're right, this would look elegant for company, but I could also see making this for my boyfriend and I to eat while lounging with a movie on the couch.

  6. Sell WoW Accounts says

    WoW! looks so delicious. . wanna try this.=)