Lemon Herb Pasta

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A light, zesty pasta dish serving exactly two people with precise half-measurements for bright, fresh flavor. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 25 minutes pairs spaghetti, extra-virgin olive oil, lemon for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 2, 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. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 2 Italian cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring 4 quarts of water to a rolling boil in a large pot. Add 1/2 tsp salt and 6 oz spaghetti, stirring to prevent sticking. Cook for 8 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
  2. Step 2: While pasta cooks, zest 1/2 lemon and set zest aside. Cut 1/2 lemon into 4 wedges. Mince 2 garlic cloves finely.
  3. Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Step 4: Add drained spaghetti to skillet with 1/4 cup reserved pasta water. Toss vigorously for 2 minutes until sauce clings to pasta, adding more pasta water if needed.
  5. Step 5: Squeeze juice from 2 lemon wedges over pasta, then stir in 1/4 cup chopped parsley and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan. Toss until cheese melts and coats pasta evenly.
  6. Step 6: Season with 1/2 tsp kosher salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Serve immediately, garnished with reserved lemon zest.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Lemon Herb Pasta take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 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 Herb Pasta?

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 spaghetti from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Lemon Herb Pasta?

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 Herb Pasta for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Herb Pasta?

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.

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