April 14, 2011 •

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. Allison says
    April 14, 2011 at 3:38 PM

    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. Ashley says
    April 16, 2011 at 5:46 PM

    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
    April 16, 2011 at 8:08 PM

    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. Courtney says
    April 24, 2011 at 12:46 PM

    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
    April 24, 2011 at 5:12 PM

    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
    May 16, 2011 at 2:05 AM

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