Ingredients
- 12 oz (340 g) linguine or spaghetti
- 4 cups (960 ml) chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 2 lemons
- 1 cup (100 g) Parmesan-style cheese, grated (using non-animal rennet; divided)
- ¼ cup (60 ml) heavy cream
- ¼ cup (15 g) fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Combine your base ingredients
Start by adding the pasta, broth, olive oil, garlic, and lemon zest to your pot. Yes, everything goes in at once—no pre-boiling required! Bring it to a boil over high heat.Pro tip: Stir frequently to keep the pasta from sticking to itself or the pot.
- Simmer and stir
Once it boils, reduce the heat to medium-low. Let the pasta simmer, stirring often. You’ll notice the liquid starting to reduce and thicken into a creamy sauce. This takes about 8-10 minutes. - Check your pasta
Test the pasta for doneness—it should be al dente. If it needs more time, add a splash of water or broth to keep things from drying out. - Stir in the good stuff
Remove the pot from heat and stir in the lemon juice, half the Parmesan, and the cream. Keep mixing until everything is beautifully combined. - Add the finishing touches
Toss in the chopped parsley, season with salt and pepper, and sprinkle on a pinch of red pepper flakes if you’re feeling fancy. - Rest, then serve
Let the pasta sit for 2-3 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly. Serve it up hot, with extra Parmesan on top.
Notes
This recipe makes about 4 servings, but it’s super easy to scale up or down. For smaller batches, simply halve the ingredients. If you’re cooking for a crowd, double everything—but use a wider pot to ensure the pasta cooks evenly. Just remember to taste and adjust seasoning as you go!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch