Lemon Spaghetti: A Fresh and Fragrant Dish Inspired by the Amalfi Coast

Lemon spaghetti is a simple yet aromatic pasta dish that brings the fresh and savory flavors of the Amalfi Coast to the table.

This recipe, with its delicate blend of citrus, herbs and olive oil, evokes the sunny warmth of Sorrento and the breathtaking beauty of the Mediterranean.

Lemon pasta is light, refreshing and perfect for a quick but sophisticated meal.

Whether you are enjoying a summer evening or dreaming of coastal Italy, this dish will transport you straight to the heart of the Gulf of Sorrento with every bite.

Why you will love lemon spaghetti.

This lemon spaghetti recipe is full of vibrant flavors thanks to the fresh lemons, fragrant herbs and richness of theextra virgin olive oil.

The addition of aromatic spices, such as rosemary, basil, and wild fennel, creates a flavorful balance that complements the tangy lemon juice.

The dish is light but satisfying and, most importantly, incredibly easy to prepare.

Whether you choose tagliolini, spaghetti or linguine, this recipe is adaptable and perfect for any occasion, whether it is a casual dinner or a special gathering. 

SERVINGS:4

INGREDIENTS:

For the Lemon Sauce:

• 2 large lemons (washed and peeled)
• 1 clove of garlic (peeled and smashed)
• Fresh herbs: basil, parsley, sage, bay leaf, rosemary, wild fennel (substitute based on availability)
• Salt to taste
• Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), to taste

For the Pasta:

• 14 oz of spaghetti (or tagliolini or linguine, based on preference)

METHOD:

Step 1: Prepare the lemon herb sauce.

1. Begin by thoroughly washing the lemons. Peel the lemons, making sure to remove the zest (without the bitter white pith). Set the lemon peels aside.
2. In a large pan, combine the lemon peels with a few pinches of salt, the crushed garlic clove and the herbs of your choice:hayleaves, wild fennel, rosemary, basil, parsley and sage. You can vary the herbs according to the ones you have on hand.
3. Add the fresh juice from the peeled lemons to the pan and drizzle generously with extra virgin olive oil.
4. Stir the ingredients while the pan is cold and let them steep for about 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 2: Cook the pasta

1. Meanwhile, cook spaghetti (or noodles or linguine) in plenty of salted water according to package instructions until al dente.
2. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it, saving some of the cooking water to adjust the consistency of the sauce if necessary.

Step 3: Combine the pasta and sauce.

1. Without turning on the heat, add the cooked pasta directly to the pan with the herb and lemon mixture.
2. Gently toss the pasta in the sauce, making sure the noodles are well coated in the flavorful lemon and olive oil mixture.
3. Stir the pasta carefully, allowing the sauce to infuse the noodles without applying heat, which helps maintain the fresh, delicate flavors of the lemon and herbs.

Step 4: Serve and enjoy

1. Plate the lemon spaghetti and serve immediately, garnishing with more fresh herbs or a sprinkling of lemon zest for an extra citrusy touch.

Tips for the best lemon spaghetti

• Choose fresh lemons: The key to this dish is the bright, fresh flavor of the lemons. Use organic or unwaxed lemons for the most aromatic zest.
• Adjust herbs: The combination of herbs can vary depending on what you have on hand. If you do not have wild fennel or rosemary, you can use any fragrant herb you like.
• Perfect pasta: Be sure to cook the pasta al dente so that it retains its flavor and texture. Overcooked pasta will absorb too much sauce and become mushy.
• Quality of olive oil: The flavor of extra virgin olive oil shines through in this dish, so use a high quality oil for best results.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Lemon Spaghetti (Amalfi Coast Style)

A simple, aromatic pasta dish featuring lemon, fresh herbs, and extra virgin olive oil, inspired by Italy’s Amalfi Coast.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4 servings

Ingredients

  

For the Lemon Sauce

• 2 large lemons, washed and peeled
• 1 clove garlic, peeled and smashed
• fresh herbs: basil, parsley, sage, bay leaf, rosemary, wild fennel substitute based on availability
• salt to taste
• extra virgin olive oil to taste

For the Pasta

• 14 oz spaghetti (or tagliolini or linguine)

Instructions

 

• Begin by thoroughly washing the lemons. Peel them, making sure to remove the zest without the bitter white pith. Set the lemon peels aside.
• In a large pan, combine the lemon peels with a few pinches of salt, the crushed garlic clove, and the herbs of your choice: bay leaves, wild fennel, rosemary, basil, parsley, and sage.
• Add the fresh juice from the peeled lemons to the pan and drizzle generously with extra virgin olive oil.
• Stir the ingredients while the pan is cold and let them steep for about 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
• Meanwhile, cook the spaghetti (or noodles or linguine) in plenty of salted water according to package instructions until al dente.
• Once the pasta is cooked, drain it, saving some of the cooking water to adjust the consistency of the sauce if necessary.
• Without turning on the heat, add the cooked pasta directly to the pan with the herb and lemon mixture.
• Gently toss the pasta in the sauce, making sure the noodles are well coated in the flavorful lemon and olive oil mixture.
• Plate the lemon spaghetti and serve immediately, garnishing with more fresh herbs or a sprinkling of lemon zest for an extra citrusy touch.