Lemon-Dill Fettuccine with Lemon Zest
A bright, herbaceous pasta dish featuring tender fettuccine tossed in a vibrant lemon-dill sauce with fresh citrus notes. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 33 minutes pairs fettuccine, olive oil, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 620 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.
Ingredients
- 12 oz fettuccine
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 large, zested and juiced lemon
- 3 tbsp fresh, chopped dill
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup, freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz fettuccine and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Stir in 1/4 cup lemon juice, 1 tbsp lemon zest, and 3 tbsp fresh dill. Add 1/2 cup heavy cream and simmer gently for 2 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Step 4: Add drained fettuccine to the skillet along with 1/4 cup reserved pasta water, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Toss vigorously for 2 minutes until the sauce coats every strand and becomes creamy.
- Step 5: Serve immediately, garnished with additional lemon zest and fresh dill.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Lemon-Dill Fettuccine with Lemon Zest take to make?
Total time is about 33 minutes (15 min prep + 18 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Lemon-Dill Fettuccine with Lemon Zest?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep fettuccine from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Lemon-Dill Fettuccine with Lemon Zest?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Lemon-Dill Fettuccine with Lemon Zest for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Lemon-Dill Fettuccine with Lemon Zest?
Italian pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
