Lemon Olive Oil Pasta 🍋🫒🍝 Light, Zesty, and Silky With Citrus Punch and a Slick of Good Oil

This is minimalist pasta with Mediterranean soul — a silky emulsion of lemon juice, zest, and quality olive oil clinging to hot pasta.

It’s all about texture, brightness, and simplicity. Make it as-is or dress it up with herbs, garlic, chili, or cheese.

Ingredients (Serves 2)

The base

• 8 oz spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Juice of ½–1 lemon (to taste)
• 3 tbsp high-quality extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Reserved pasta water (about ¼ cup)

Optional add-ins

• 1–2 cloves garlic, finely grated or sautéed
• Pinch of red pepper flakes
• 2 tbsp grated Parmesan or Pecorino
• Chopped parsley, basil, or arugula
• Toasted pine nuts or almonds for crunch

Instructions

Step 1: Boil the pasta
Cook pasta in well-salted water until al dente. Reserve ¼ cup of pasta water, then drain.

Step 2: Prep the sauce
While pasta cooks, combine lemon zest, lemon juice, and olive oil in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Add garlic or chili flakes if using. (If you prefer warm garlic, sauté it lightly in olive oil for 1 minute.)

Step 3: Toss and emulsify
Return hot drained pasta to the pot or a large bowl. Pour in the lemon-oil mixture. Add a splash of hot pasta water and toss vigorously until glossy and coated. Add more pasta water if needed for silkiness.

Step 4: Serve immediately
Plate and finish with herbs, cheese, and extra zest or pepper.

Flavor Variations

• Add sautéed greens like spinach or kale
• Use ricotta or whipped feta for creaminess
• Add capers, olives, or anchovy for brininess
• Top with crispy breadcrumbs or roasted chickpeas
• Serve with grilled shrimp, scallops, or salmon

Pro Tips

• Use the best olive oil you have — it’s the backbone of the dish
• Zest the lemon before juicing — it’s hard to do in reverse
• Toss pasta while still hot to help absorb the dressing
• Don’t drown it — you want a slick, not a soup

Final Thoughts

Lemon Olive Oil Pasta is simple, vibrant, and endlessly riffable — a bright, bracing alternative to cream or tomato sauces that still delivers serious satisfaction. Perfect for warm weather, lazy nights, or pasta purists.

Zest it. Swirl it. Let the citrus and oil do the talking. 🍋🫒🍝

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