How to Make the Perfect Lemon Parmesan Angel Hair
Italian-American · Easy · 15 min · 2 servings
This bright and zesty lemon parmesan angel hair pasta is ready in just 15 minutes and bursts with fresh citrus and savory cheese flavor. A quick and elegant pasta that is as impressive as it is effortless to put together.
Why this recipe works
This Lemon Parmesan Angel Hair recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 15 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 410 calories with 14g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 8 oz angel hair pasta
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 whole lemon zested and juiced
- 0.5 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Cook Angel Hair
Boil angel hair in salted water for just 2 to 3 minutes as it cooks extremely quickly. Reserve half a cup of pasta water then drain immediately to prevent overcooking.
Step 2: Saute Garlic in Butter
In a wide skillet melt butter over medium heat and saute minced garlic for one minute until fragrant. Add lemon juice and zest and stir to combine into a bright aromatic sauce.
Step 3: Toss with Cheese and Pasta
Add drained angel hair to the skillet and toss quickly with the lemon butter. Remove from heat and add parmesan along with a splash of pasta water tossing until the cheese melts into a silky coating.
Step 4: Finish and Plate
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and a little extra lemon zest and parmesan. Serve immediately as angel hair can absorb sauce quickly and become dry if left to sit.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- unsalted butter → olive oil for a lighter dairy-free option
- fresh lemon → two tablespoons of bottled lemon juice in a pinch though fresh is strongly preferred
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Overcooking angel hair pasta which goes from perfectly al dente to mushy very rapidly in just seconds
- Letting the finished pasta sit too long before serving which causes the thin noodles to absorb all the sauce and dry out
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 410 calories, 14g protein, 55g carbs, 15g fat, 2g fiber.
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