Spaghetti with Lemon

My mom used to make this for me growing up and I ALWAYS requested it. I am a sucker for anything lemon so this is right up my alley. The best news is that it is simple to make and on the table in under 20 minutes. This one is definitely going to join your meal rotation.

Spaghetti with Lemon

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes
Yield: 2-3 servings

INGREDIENTS

• 250g dried spaghetti (~half a box)

• ¼ cup olive oil

• Juice of 1 lemon

• Salt and pepper to taste (I like to use a generous amount of cracked black pepper)

• Zest of ½ a lemon

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• ¼ cup roughly chopped fresh basil
  

DIRECTIONS

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti according to the instructions on the box for al dente noodles. This is typically around 8 minutes.

While the pasta is cooking, bring the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, salt and pepper to a simmer in a small saucepan.

Place the lemon zest, Parmesan cheese and chopped basil in a large serving bowl.

When the spaghetti is ready, drain it, but reserve ¼ cup of pasta water. Place the noodles back in the pot (but off of the heat), and pour the heated olive oil/lemon juice mixture as well as the pasta water overtop. Give it a good stir and then transfer the hot pasta (and any lemony sauce) into the serving bowl with the zest, cheese and basil. Toss everything together until well combined and serve hot!