Lemon Pepper Pasta

Today, I'm happy to share a favorite recipe in my kitchen - Lemon Pepper Pasta. A bright, tangy lemon pepper sauce coats soft pasta in this simple yet flavorful dish. This Italian-inspired dish doesn't contain butter or heavy cream.

What I enjoy most about this meal is how adaptable it is. You can have it as a simple, elegant meal by itself, or make it more special by adding grilled chicken or shrimp, and some fresh vegetables for extra color and nutrition. The best part? This wonderful meal is ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for those busy nights when you need something delicious and quick.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy - 30 minutes or less cooking time
• Simple, fresh, and wholesome ingredients
• Fresh citrusy lemon flavor and subtle peppery taste
• Easily customizable - add your favorite proteins or veggies
• Perfect for busy nights
• Meal prep friendly

What You Will Need

To make Lemon Pepper Pasta, here are the ingredients:

• Pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or your favorite): Choose a pasta shape you love, as this dish works well with wide varieties. Long noodles like spaghetti or fettuccine are perfect for holding onto the sauce.
• Olive Oil: Use good quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor. It not only adds richness but also blends well with the lemon.
• Garlic, minced: Fresh garlic is key. Mince it finely to ensure it evenly distributes its flavor throughout the pasta.
• Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Freshly ground is best as it has more aroma and flavor than pre-ground pepper.
• Zest and Juice of Lemons: Make sure to zest the lemons before juicing them. The zest adds a more intense lemon flavor without the acidity. FYI, 1 lemon is approximately 2-3 tablespoons of lemon juice.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese: Grate your own Parmesan for the freshest and best flavor. Pre-grated cheese often contains additives that can affect texture.
• Chopped Fresh Parsley: Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a fresh taste. Chop it finely to distribute it evenly.
• Reserved Pasta Water: Don’t forget to save some pasta water before draining. It helps to make the sauce creamy and helps it stick to the pasta.
• Salt, to taste: Taste as you go and adjust the salt as needed. The Parmesan cheese also adds saltiness, so add the salt gradually.
• Optional: Grilled Chicken, Shrimp, or Roasted Vegetables: Add these if you want to make the meal more filling. Season and cook them separately before adding them to the pasta.

How to Make Lemon Pepper Pasta

Cook the Pasta: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water and drain the rest.

Prepare the Sauce: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Be careful not to let the garlic burn.

Add Lemon and Pepper: Stir in the freshly ground black pepper and the lemon zest. Cook for another minute to let the flavors meld together.

Combine with Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat in the lemon-pepper mixture. Pour in the juice of 1 lemon and a splash of the reserved pasta water. Toss everything together, adding more lemon juice gradually to taste and more pasta water as needed to create a silky sauce.

Finish with Cheese and Herbs: Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Sprinkle the chopped parsley over the top and toss again to combine. Season with salt to taste.

Serve and Enjoy: Transfer the lemon pepper pasta to serving bowls. If desired, top with grilled chicken, shrimp, or roasted vegetables. Garnish with extra lemon zest and parsley for more color and flavor.

Some Tips For a Better Tasting Pasta

• Al Dente Pasta: It should be firm to the bite, as it will continue to cook slightly when tossed in the hot sauce.
• Reserve Pasta Water: The starchy pasta water helps to create a smooth and cohesive sauce, so don't forget to save some before draining.
• Freshly Ground Pepper: Using freshly ground black pepper enhances the dish's flavor more than pre-ground pepper.
• Fresh Lemon: Use fresh lemons for the juice and zest to achieve the most vibrant and natural flavor.
• Adjust to Taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of lemon juice and zest to suit your taste preferences. If the lemon flavor is too strong, you can balance it out by adding a small amount of sugar or honey.
• Don't Overcook the Garlic: Garlic burns quickly, so keep a close eye on it to prevent bitterness.
• Finishing Touch: Just before serving, drizzle a bit of extra virgin olive oil over the pasta for a glossy finish and an extra layer of flavor.

Substitutions

• Cheese: Substitute Parmesan with Pecorino Romano for a slightly sharper flavor.
• Herbs: If you don’t have parsley, fresh basil or cilantro can be great alternatives.
• Pasta: Any pasta shape works, but whole wheat or gluten-free pasta can be used for dietary preferences.
• Olive Oil: For a richer flavor, try using infused olive oils like garlic or basil.
• Proteins: Swap grilled chicken or shrimp with tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian option.

Storage, Reheating, & Meal Prep Tips

Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheat: Place the pasta in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth and stir until heated through. If using the microwave, put the pasta in a microwave-safe dish, add a little water, cover, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between until hot.

Meal-Prep: Divide the pasta into 3 different airtight cointainers. Follow the storage and reheating tips above. Add on your favorite proteins or vegetables when serving.

What to Eat with Lemon Pepper Pasta

• Garlic Butter Salmon
• Grilled Chicken Kabobs
• Chicken Caesar Salad
• Easy Meatballs
• Watermelon Feta Salad