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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- For a subtler garlic flavor, strain the minced garlic after it has infused the butter but before adding cream.
- 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