🍋 Frozen Lemon Pasta
This refreshing pasta dish combines the bright flavors of lemon with creamy butter and cheese for a simple yet delicious meal.
Dietary: vegetarian
Category: main
Ingredients
- 1 large lemon (substitutions: lime)
- ½ box (16 ounces) spaghetti (substitutions: gluten-free pasta)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (substitutions: olive oil, vegan butter)
- 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan (substitutions: nutritional yeast, vegan cheese)
- to taste black pepper (substitutions: white pepper)
- ½ cup reserved pasta water
Equipment
- large pot
- mixing bowl
- grater
Instructions
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Step 1: Wash and dry the lemon, then freeze it overnight or until solid.
What to look for: The lemon should be completely frozen and firm.
Watch out: Ensure the lemon is unwaxed for better flavor.
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Step 2: Cook the spaghetti in a large pot of boiling salted water until al dente, according to package instructions.
What to look for: The pasta should be firm to the bite but cooked through.
Watch out: Avoid overcooking the pasta; it should not be mushy.
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Step 3: While the pasta cooks, add the butter, grated Parmesan, and black pepper to a large mixing bowl.
What to look for: The butter should be soft enough to mix easily with the cheese.
Watch out: Use unsalted butter to control the saltiness of the dish.
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Step 4: Grate about ⅓ of the frozen lemon (zest, flesh, and a little pith) directly into the bowl.
What to look for: The lemon should grate easily and add a bright aroma.
Watch out: Use a lemon with thin skin to avoid excessive bitterness from the pith.
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Step 5: Once the pasta is cooked, reserve ½ cup of the pasta water and drain the rest.
What to look for: Make sure to save enough water for the sauce.
Watch out: Don't rinse the pasta; the starch helps the sauce adhere.
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Step 6: Add the drained pasta to the mixing bowl with the butter and cheese mixture.
What to look for: The pasta should be hot enough to melt the butter.
Watch out: Be careful not to let the pasta cool too much before mixing.
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Step 7: Pour in about ¼ cup of the reserved pasta water and toss until the butter melts and the cheese forms a glossy sauce.
What to look for: The sauce should coat the pasta evenly and look creamy.
Watch out: Add more pasta water gradually if the sauce is too thick.
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Step 8: Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan and black pepper to taste.
What to look for: The dish should look vibrant and inviting.
Watch out: Serve while hot for the best flavor and texture.
Original source: tiktok
Guided step-by-step with AI-powered photo feedback on Kitchen's Witch.