20 minutes
A simple yet elegant dish that brings a bright, citrusy twist to your table.
Unsalted Butter, melted
tablespoons
Lemon Zest, freshly grated
tablespoons
0 lb
tablespoons
Lemon Juice, freshly squeezed
tablespoons
Parmesan Cheese, freshly grated
tablespoons
1. Prepare Lemon Butter
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. While waiting for the water to heat up, take a skillet and melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once the butter has melted and starts to foam slightly, add 1 tablespoon of freshly grated lemon zest. Let the zest infuse the butter, stirring occasionally, until the butter turns a lovely golden color and the kitchen fills with a delightful lemon aroma.
2. Cook Linguine
As the butter and lemon zest mingle, drop the 0.5 pounds of linguine into the boiling water. Cook the pasta according to the package directions until it is al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside briefly.
3. Combine Ingredients
Returning to your skillet, add 4 tablespoons of heavy cream to the lemon-infused butter. Stir gently to combine, allowing the cream to warm and meld with the butter and zest. Now, add the drained pasta to the skillet along with 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice. Toss everything together until the pasta is well-coated and just heated through.
4. Add Parmesan and Serve
Finally, sprinkle 2 tablespoons of freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta. Toss again to ensure the Parmesan melts slightly and blends into the creamy lemon sauce. Serve the Lemon Zest Linguine immediately, with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of additional lemon zest on the side for those who want an extra burst of flavor.
Easily add proteins such as seafood (shrimp, scallops, clams), chicken (grilled or pan-seared), or tofu (pan-fried or baked) to create variations like Lemon Seafood Pasta, Lemon Chicken Pasta, or a vegetarian protein boost.
Incorporate a protein like grilled chicken, shrimp, or flaked salmon to add heartiness to the meal. The protein can be seasoned to complement the lemony pasta, such as lemon-herb chicken or garlic shrimp.
Sautéed or roasted vegetables like asparagus, cherry tomatoes, zucchini, or artichokes can be added for a Primavera-style dish.
Incorporate different fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or oregano to add a new dimension to the flavor profile. For instance, a touch of fresh basil can transform the dish into a Lemon Basil Linguine.
Include sautéed or roasted vegetables such as cherry tomatoes, asparagus, artichoke hearts, or zucchini. This not only adds nutrition but also different textures and flavors that marry well with the lemon zest.
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