Description
Pappardelle al Limone is a bright and creamy Italian pasta dish featuring wide ribbon-like noodles tossed in a luscious lemon-infused cream sauce. The combination of fresh lemon zest, juice, Parmesan cheese, and basil creates a refreshing yet indulgent flavor that pairs perfectly for a quick and elegant meal, ready in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 oz pappardelle pasta
Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Zest of 2 lemons
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- ½ cup fresh basil leaves (torn)
- Extra Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Additional basil leaves (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil salted water in a large pot. Add the pappardelle pasta and cook until al dente, usually about 7-9 minutes. Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water before draining the pasta.
- Prepare the sauce: In a skillet over medium heat, warm the heavy cream, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Heat gently without bringing to a boil to preserve the fresh lemon flavor.
- Add cheese and season: Gradually stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted, creating a smooth sauce. Season with salt and pepper according to taste.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Toss the drained pappardelle into the skillet with the lemon cream sauce. Add the reserved pasta water a little at a time to adjust the sauce consistency for a silky coating on the pasta. Fold in the torn fresh basil leaves gently to incorporate.
- Serve and garnish: Plate the pasta immediately to enjoy its creamy texture. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves if desired for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Be careful not to boil the cream mixture to avoid curdling and bitterness.
- Reserve pasta water as the starch helps emulsify the sauce for a better texture.
- This dish is best served immediately for optimal creaminess and freshness.
- Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, but it may be less rich.
- Adding freshly cracked black pepper enhances the citrus notes.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
