Description
Pappardelle al Limone is a quick and elegant Italian pasta dish featuring fresh pappardelle in a luscious, creamy lemon sauce made with butter, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and fresh lemon juice and zest. This bright and silky sauce perfectly coats the wide ribbons of pasta, making it a refreshing and satisfying meal that comes together in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
For the Sauce
- 30 g butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Zest of one organic, unwaxed lemon
- Juice of one lemon
- 150 ml heavy cream
- 100 g Parmesan cheese, freshly and finely grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Pasta
- 300 g fresh pappardelle pasta OR 220 g dried pasta of your choice
For Garnish
- Fresh parsley, finely chopped
- Extra lemon zest (optional)
Instructions
- Prep Ingredients: Finely chop the garlic and fresh parsley. Use a microplane grater to zest the lemon, taking only the vibrant yellow outer layer and avoiding the bitter white pith. Squeeze the fresh lemon juice and have all ingredients ready before cooking.
- Make the Sauce Base: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Meanwhile, in a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter slowly until frothy. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, ensuring it does not brown to avoid bitterness. Stir in the lemon zest then gradually whisk in the lemon juice to emulsify into a smooth mixture.
- Finish the Sauce: Reduce heat to low and add the heavy cream to the skillet. Gradually add Parmesan cheese in small portions, stirring continuously to melt the cheese smoothly without clumping or stringiness. Season carefully with salt and pepper, keeping in mind the saltiness from the Parmesan.
- Cook the Pasta: Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook fresh pappardelle for about 2 minutes or according to package instructions for dried pasta until al dente. Drain the pasta using a pasta spider and transfer immediately to the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently to coat every strand evenly in the creamy lemon sauce.
- Serve: Plate the Pappardelle al Limone immediately to preserve the sauce’s silky texture. Garnish with finely chopped parsley and extra lemon zest if desired, enhancing the citrus flavor. Enjoy your fresh, vibrant pasta!
Notes
- Use fresh, organic, and unwaxed lemons to ensure the zest is flavorful and safe to eat.
- Do not let the garlic brown during sautéing to avoid a bitter taste.
- Gradually add Parmesan cheese to the sauce to achieve a smooth, velvety texture without clumping.
- Serve immediately after mixing pasta with sauce; letting it sit will cause the sauce to thicken and lose its silkiness.
- Fresh pasta cooks much faster than dried; adjust cooking times accordingly.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
