Zesty Pappardelle al Limone: A Dreamy Creamy Lemon Pasta Recipe

My kitchen adventures with pappardelle al limone have always sparked pure culinary magic.

Bright citrus notes dance across silky ribbons of pasta, creating an irresistible Mediterranean-inspired dish.

Pasta lovers recognize this elegant recipe as a simple yet sophisticated meal that comes together quickly.

Creamy textures blend with zesty lemon, promising a delightful dining experience.

Wide noodles catch every nuanced flavor, making each bite a celebration of Italian comfort food.

Rich yet light, this recipe transforms ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary.

Flavor Ideas For Lemon Pappardelle Pasta

• Vegan Creamy Lemon Pasta: Replace butter with olive oil, swap cream with cashew cream, use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan, and add silken tofu for extra creaminess.
• Gluten-Free Zesty Pasta Option: Substitute pappardelle with gluten-free rice noodles or zucchini noodles, keeping the lemon sauce exactly the same.
• Herb-Infused Lemon Pasta Variation: Add fresh thyme or basil to the sauce for an extra aromatic dimension, complementing the bright lemon flavors.
• Seafood Enhanced Version: Incorporate sautéed shrimp or flaked white fish directly into the sauce for a protein-packed Mediterranean-style pasta dish.

Suggested Sides For Pappardelle Al Limone

• Zesty Plate Companions: Pair this creamy lemon pasta with a crisp arugula salad dressed in light vinaigrette for refreshing contrast.
• Protein Power-Up: Top the dish with grilled shrimp or seared chicken breast to transform it into a more substantial meal that satisfies heartier appetites.
• Wine Weekend Vibes: Select a chilled Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the bright citrus notes and enhance the pasta's delicate flavors.
• Herbal Garnish Magic: Sprinkle extra fresh parsley or add some delicate basil leaves for an aromatic finish that elevates the entire dish's sensory experience.

Storage Tips For Pappardelle Al Limone Pasta

• Store leftover pasta in a sealed container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Cover tightly to prevent absorbing other food odors and maintain freshness.
• Warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of pasta water or cream to restore sauce's creamy texture. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals. Stir between intervals to distribute heat evenly and prevent dryness.
• This cream-based pasta doesn't freeze well due to potential sauce separation and texture changes. Best enjoyed fresh or within a few days of preparation.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, while pappardelle works best, you can substitute with fettuccine or linguine. Wider, flat noodles will hold the creamy sauce better than thin pasta.

• Is this dish vegetarian?

Yes, the recipe is vegetarian. It contains no meat, only dairy ingredients like butter, cream, and Parmesan cheese.

• How do I prevent the sauce from becoming grainy?

Add Parmesan cheese gradually and stir continuously. Use freshly grated cheese and keep the heat low to medium to ensure a smooth, silky sauce.

• Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Unfortunately, this specific recipe relies heavily on dairy ingredients like butter, cream, and Parmesan. A dairy-free version would require significant modifications to the recipe.

Creamy Lemon Pappardelle Pasta Overview

• Whip Up a Quick Culinary Delight: This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy dish with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
• Master Versatile Comfort Food: Perfect for busy weeknights or elegant dinner parties, the creamy lemon pasta adapts to any dining occasion with its luxurious texture and bright citrus notes.
• Customize with Ease: Experiment by adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or vegetables to make the dish your own personal masterpiece while keeping the core recipe intact.
• Celebrate Fresh Ingredients: By using high-quality, fresh lemons and freshly grated Parmesan, you elevate a basic pasta recipe into a gourmet experience that delights the senses.

Ingredients For Pappardelle Al Limone Pasta

• Pappardelle: Wide, ribbon-like pasta that catches the creamy lemon sauce beautifully.

• Butter: Creates a rich, smooth base for the sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty depth to the sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Provides silky texture and luxurious consistency.

• Garlic, Fresh Parsley: Adds aromatic and fresh herbal notes to the dish.
• Lemon: Provides bright, zesty citrus flavor and aroma through both zest and juice.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Balances and enhances the overall flavor profile of the sauce.

Cooking Instructions For Lemon Pappardelle Pasta

Step 1: Prepare Flavor Foundations

Finely chop fresh garlic and parsley.

Use a micro plane grater to zest the lemon, capturing only the bright yellow outer layer.

Squeeze out fresh lemon juice, avoiding the bitter white pith.

Step 2: Create Silky Sauce Base

Heat a large skillet over medium flame.

Melt butter until frothy and add minced garlic.

Sauté for one minute, releasing aromatic notes without browning.

Introduce lemon zest and juice, whisking vigorously to create a smooth emulsion.

Step 3: Build Creamy Sauce Layers

Reduce heat to low.

Gently pour in cream and gradually sprinkle Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously.

Allow each cheese portion to melt completely before adding more.

Season with salt and pepper, being mindful of the cheese’s natural saltiness.

Step 4: Cook Pasta to Perfection

Bring a pot of salted water to a rolling boil.

Cook pappardelle until al dente.

Transfer pasta directly from water to the sauce using a pasta spider, tossing to ensure complete sauce coverage.

Step 5: Plate and Garnish

Serve immediately to maintain the sauce’s luxurious texture.

Sprinkle with fresh parsley and additional lemon zest for an extra citrus punch.

Step 6: Pro Chef Tips

• Use room temperature ingredients for smoother sauce integration
• Choose fresh, high-quality lemons and Parmesan
• Keep heat low to prevent sauce separation
• Use pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed

Step 7: Customize Your Dish

Experiment with garlic intensity by straining it before adding cream.

For a lighter touch, remove garlic after it flavors the butter but before final sauce preparation.

Step 8: Cheese Melting Secrets

Grate Parmesan fresh to ensure smooth melting.

Avoid pre-grated cheese with anti-caking agents that can compromise sauce texture.

Step 9: Sauce Consistency Tricks

If sauce becomes too thick, splash in pasta water.

For a thicker sauce, let it simmer gently for a few minutes.

Step 10: Final Flavor Flourish

Add extra lemon zest or fresh herbs to elevate the dish’s brightness and aromatic profile.

Tips For Perfect Pappardelle Al Limone

• Only grate the bright yellow part of the lemon, avoiding the bitter white pith for a pure, vibrant citrus flavor.
• Slowly heat butter until frothy to create a smooth base for the sauce without burning.
• Add Parmesan gradually and stir continuously to prevent clumping and ensure a silky, creamy texture.
• Use pasta water to thin out a thick sauce or simmer briefly to thicken if too runny.
• Choose high-quality, fresh lemons and freshly grated Parmesan to elevate the dish's overall taste and texture.

Pappardelle al Limone (Creamy Lemon Pasta) Recipe

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4.5 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Silky pappardelle al limone dances with zesty lemon and rich cream, creating a Mediterranean dream on your plate. Creamy, tangy ribbons promise a quick Italian escape for pasta enthusiasts craving simple, elegant comfort.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta and Cheese:

• 300 g (10.5 oz) fresh pappardelle pasta
• 220 g (7.7 oz) dried pasta of your choice
• 100 g (3.5 oz) Parmesan cheese, freshly and finely grated

Sauce Ingredients:

• 30 g (2 tablespoons) butter
• 150 ml (2/3 cup) heavy cream
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 lemon, zest
• 1 lemon, juice

Herbs and Seasonings:

• fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)
• salt, to taste
• pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Gather and prepare all ingredients beforehand: finely mince garlic and parsley, carefully zest the lemon’s bright yellow outer layer while avoiding the bitter white pith, and extract fresh lemon juice.

1. Heat a large pot of salted water to a vigorous boil. In a separate skillet, melt butter over medium heat until frothy. Add minced garlic and sauté for 60 seconds, releasing its aromatic essence without browning.

1. Incorporate lemon zest and juice into the butter, whisking energetically to create a smooth emulsion. Reduce heat to low and gradually introduce cream, stirring continuously to maintain a silky texture.

1. Gradually sprinkle Parmesan cheese into the sauce, stirring until each portion melts completely. This technique prevents clumping and ensures a velvety consistency. Season with salt and pepper, being mindful of the cheese’s inherent saltiness.

1. Cook pappardelle in boiling water for approximately 2 minutes or until perfectly al dente. Using a pasta spider, transfer noodles directly into the sauce, tossing thoroughly to coat each strand evenly.

1. Immediately plate the pasta to preserve the sauce’s delicate texture. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and additional lemon zest for an extra citrus punch.

1. When preparing the sauce, maintain a gentle heat between low and medium to prevent cream separation or curdling. Constant stirring is crucial for a smooth emulsion.

1. Adjust sauce consistency as needed: add pasta water if too thick, or simmer briefly if too thin. Use freshly grated Parmesan to ensure optimal melting and texture.

1. For a subtler garlic flavor, strain the minced garlic after it has infused the butter but before adding cream.

1. Select premium, fresh ingredients—particularly the lemon and cheese—to elevate the dish’s overall flavor profile.

Notes

• Elevate the dish by using fresh, high-quality ingredients like freshly grated Parmesan and zesty lemons for maximum flavor impact.
• Control heat carefully to prevent sauce separation, keeping temperatures low and stirring consistently for a silky, smooth texture.
• Thin or thicken sauce strategically by adding pasta water or simmering gently, ensuring perfect consistency every time.
• Customize the recipe by adjusting garlic intensity through straining or reducing quantity, making it adaptable to personal taste preferences.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 1057 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 81 g
• Saturated Fat: 49 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 29 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 63 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 215 mg