Are you craving a vibrant, flavorful pasta dish that's both easy to make and incredibly satisfying? Then look no further! This Love and Lemons Pasta recipe is a celebration of fresh, bright ingredients, coming together to create a quick dinner idea that's bursting with sunshine. Perfect for a weeknight meal or a delightful weekend lunch, this recipe is a testament to the magic of homemade cooking and simple, delicious dishes. Get ready to experience pasta perfection!
Ingredients:
This recipe serves 2-3 people. Feel free to double or triple it depending on your needs!
- 1 pound pasta (linguine, spaghetti, or your favorite shape)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional, adds depth of flavor)
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
Instructions:
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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.
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Sauté the Aromatics: While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
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Deglaze (Optional): If using white wine, add it to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing the alcohol to evaporate. This step adds a delicious depth of flavor.
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Combine Everything: Add the cooked pasta, lemon zest, lemon juice, Parmesan cheese, parsley, cherry tomatoes, and Kalamata olives to the skillet. Toss everything together to combine. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
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Season and Serve: Season generously with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately, topped with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Love and Lemons Pasta:
- Don't overcook the pasta: Al dente pasta is key to a great dish. It should be firm to the bite.
- Use good quality ingredients: The flavor of this dish relies heavily on fresh, high-quality ingredients.
- Adjust the seasonings to your liking: Feel free to add more or less lemon juice, red pepper flakes, or Parmesan cheese depending on your preference.
- Add protein: For a heartier meal, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas.
Variations:
- Vegetarian Love and Lemons Pasta: Omit the optional white wine and add a can of drained and rinsed chickpeas for extra protein.
- Spicy Love and Lemons Pasta: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Creamy Love and Lemons Pasta: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or crème fraîche at the end for a richer sauce.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 450-500 Protein: 15-20g Fat: 20-25g Carbohydrates: 50-60g
This Love and Lemons Pasta recipe is a fantastic example of how easy it is to create healthy meals that are both delicious and satisfying. It’s a quick and easy recipe perfect for busy weeknights, and its bright, fresh flavors will brighten up any meal. Enjoy!