Lemon Spaghetti

Stacky5's Note:

This recipe came from Giada de Laurentis on the Food Network. I saw her make this and I was amazed at how simple it was! It's like being a gourmet cook yet fooling everyone--!!! Tastes so light and fresh, but yet so satisfying for those pasta cravings we sometimes get! Very Italian...Yum!

• Total Time: 20 mins
• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 10 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 4

• 1 lb spaghetti
• 2/3 cup olive oil
• 2/3 cup parmesan cheese, grated (fresh is best)
• 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (about 3 lemons, and try not to use the store-bought juice)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper, freshly ground if possible
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 1/3 cup fresh basil (chopped)

Directions:

1. Cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling, salted water according to package directions (until al-dente') Stirring occasionally, about 8 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, whisk the olive oil, Parmesan cheese and lemon juice in a large bowl.
3. Drain the pasta, reserving 1 cup of the cooking liquid.
4. Toss the pasta with the lemon sauce, and add the reserved cooking liquid and toss again. (Adding 1/4 cup at a time as needed to moisten.).
5. Season with the salt & pepper. Garnish with lemon zest and chopped basil.

Reviews

[Georgiapea]

This is also in one of her cookbooks. I've made it a few times. I like it but I don't love it (and yet I keep making it...says something). I often add asparagus and or avocado to this as well. Last time I used a whole avocado instead of any olive oil and blended all of the sauce together. Pretty tasty!

[Doc's Mom]

Very yummy! Nice and light, lemon not overpowering!

[Ambervim]

Had no basil so I added cilantro and romaine lettuce. Tasty.