Lemon-Herb Pasta with 2:5 Cheese Ratio
A bright, creamy pasta dish where 2 tablespoons of olive oil meld with 5 ounces of sharp cheese for a perfect 7-ingredient harmony. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 30 minutes pairs Olive oil, Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, Spaghetti for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 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. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 5 oz Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 12 oz Spaghetti
- 1 tbsp Lemon zest
- 3 tbsp Fresh parsley
- 1 tsp Kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp Black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil; add 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 3 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley and cook for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Stir in 5 oz freshly grated Parmesan cheese and 1 tbsp lemon zest, then add the drained spaghetti and 1/4 cup reserved pasta water. Toss vigorously for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats every strand.
- Step 4: Season with 1 tsp kosher salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper, then serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Lemon-Herb Pasta with 2:5 Cheese Ratio take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 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 with 2:5 Cheese Ratio?
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 olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Lemon-Herb Pasta with 2:5 Cheese Ratio?
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 with 2:5 Cheese Ratio 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-Herb Pasta with 2:5 Cheese Ratio?
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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Really good but took about 10 minutes longer than stated.
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
