Are you ready to tantalize your taste buds with a burst of zesty flavor? Look no further than this Easy Lemon Garlic Pasta with Zesty Breadcrumbs! In just 25 minutes, you can whip up a delightful Italian dish that combines the bright notes of fresh lemon and garlic with the satisfying crunch of toasted breadcrumbs. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this recipe promises to impress without the fuss. Dive into the world of quick and delicious pasta that will leave you craving more!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 8 oz of spaghetti, 4 cloves of minced garlic, 1 lemon (zested and juiced), 1/4 cup of olive oil, 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and fresh parsley for garnish.
- Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add a generous amount of salt to the water, then add the spaghetti. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the zesty breadcrumbs. In a medium skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the breadcrumbs and stir constantly until they are golden brown and toasted, about 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Set aside.
- In the same skillet used for the breadcrumbs, add the remaining olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Once the spaghetti is cooked, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta. Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet with the garlic oil.
- Pour in the lemon juice and add the lemon zest. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until the desired sauce consistency is reached. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve the pasta in bowls, topped with the zesty breadcrumbs and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for garnish. Enjoy your easy lemon garlic pasta!
Tips
- Perfect Pasta: To achieve the perfect al dente texture, be sure to follow the package instructions for cooking time, and don’t forget to salt the boiling water generously—it enhances the flavor of the pasta.
- Breadcrumbs Matter: For an extra layer of flavor, consider using seasoned breadcrumbs or adding herbs and spices to plain breadcrumbs while toasting them.
- Zest It Up: When zesting the lemon, make sure to only take the yellow part of the peel. The white pith underneath can be bitter, so go easy on it!
- Pasta Water Magic: The reserved pasta cooking water is your secret weapon! Use it to adjust the sauce’s consistency and help the sauce cling to the pasta beautifully.
- Garnish for Greatness: Fresh parsley not only adds a pop of color but also a refreshing taste that complements the lemon and garlic. Don’t skip this final touch!
- Customize Your Dish: Feel free to add cooked chicken, shrimp, or vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes for added nutrition and flavor.Enjoy your cooking adventure and savor every bite of this delightful dish!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 10mg
