Tired of the same old dinner routine? Craving a quick, healthy, and incredibly flavorful meal that’s ready in under 20 minutes? Then look no further! This Lemon Pepper Pasta recipe is your new go-to for easy weeknight dinners. It’s a delightful blend of zesty lemon, fragrant pepper, and perfectly cooked pasta, all coming together in a symphony of deliciousness. This simple recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and is easily adaptable to your taste preferences. Let's get cooking!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound pasta (linguine, spaghetti, or fettuccine work well)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup lemon juice (about 2 large lemons)
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon black pepper, freshly ground
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic; it should be lightly golden.
Step 3: Create the Lemon Pepper Sauce
Pour the lemon juice and lemon zest into the skillet with the garlic. Stir in the black pepper and salt. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to slightly thicken.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the lemon pepper sauce. Toss to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a little bit of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve the lemon pepper pasta immediately, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. This dish is best enjoyed hot, but leftovers are also delicious cold!
Tips and Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat.
- Add protein: Grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas would be delicious additions to this pasta.
- Veggie boost: Toss in some sauteed vegetables like spinach, cherry tomatoes, or zucchini for a more nutritious meal.
- Creamy version: Stir in a dollop of cream cheese or ricotta cheese for a richer, creamier sauce.
- Different herbs: Experiment with other herbs like oregano, basil, or thyme.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This recipe provides a healthy and delicious meal option. The nutritional information will vary based on the specific ingredients and portion size. A general estimate for one serving might include around 400-500 calories, depending on the type of pasta and added ingredients. It's a good source of carbohydrates from the pasta, healthy fats from olive oil, and Vitamin C from the lemons.
This Lemon Pepper Pasta recipe is a fantastic example of how delicious and healthy homemade cooking can be. It's a fantastic addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas, perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a satisfying and flavorful meal on the table fast. Enjoy!