Why Everyone’s Making This Right Now
Because it’s the perfect mix of fresh, bright flavors with minimal effort. Fans of quick dinners love that this recipe requires just four main ingredients (plus pantry staples), takes about 10 minutes, and still tastes like you spent an hour in the kitchen. It’s Giada De Laurentiis’ favorite for a reason.
What You’ll Need
- Spaghetti (or your favorite long pasta)
- Olive oil
- Parmesan cheese (grated)
- Fresh lemons (juice + zest)
- Salt, pepper, fresh basil (optional)
- Reserved pasta water
Step‑by‑Step
1. Boil the Pasta
Cook spaghetti in salted water until al dente. Before draining, reserve about a cup of the hot starchy cooking water.
2. Make the Lemon Sauce
While the pasta cooks, in a bowl combine lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Mix Pasta with Sauce
Put the drained spaghetti in the bowl with lemon sauce. Toss well. Add grated Parmesan and a splash of the reserved pasta water to help everything coat the pasta and become silky.
4. Finish & Garnish
Add basil if you’ve got it. Check seasoning—maybe more lemon, salt, or pepper. Serve immediately.
Tips to Make It Even Better
- Zest the lemon before juicing so you catch all that fragrant peel without waste.
- Use high-quality Parmesan (Parmigiano‑Reggiano) if possible—flavor difference is huge.
- Don’t skip the pasta water—it’s magic. Helps the sauce stick and gives a creamy texture.
- If you like garlic, one clove minced into the olive oil warms it up nicely (optional).
Why It’s a Winner
- Speed: ~10–12 minutes total.
- Ingredients: Pantry staples + fresh lemon.
- Flavor: Tangy, fresh, cheesy, comforting.
- Cleanup: Minimal bowls, no long cook times, almost zero stress.
Verdict
If you’re craving something light, zesty and satisfying — this recipe punches way above its weight. Perfect for weeknights, guests, or when you want fancy without the fuss.