Lemon Pepper Pasta is a vibrant dish that marries the bright tang of fresh lemon zest with the gentle warmth of cracked black pepper. Complementing this dish are crunchy breadcrumbs, salty parmesan cheese and dollops of creamy ricotta.

Indulge in this quick and easy Lemon Pepper Pasta with whipped ricotta and fresh basil, ideal for relaxed summer evenings. Perfectly cooked al dente pasta tossed in a citrusy garlic sauce, fresh basil and crispy breadcrumbs for an irresistible crunch.

This lemon butter pasta embodies the very essence of summer flavors, capturing the freshness of the season in every bite.

Looking for more summer-inspired recipes, then try Elote Pasta Salad, Arugula Steak Salad, and Dill Pickle Egg Salad.

Jump to:

• Why You'll Love This Recipe
• Ingredient Notes
• Substitutions
• Step By Step Instructions
• Expert Tips
• FAQ
• Storing and Reheating
• What To Serve With This Easy Lemon Pasta?
• Helpful Tools and Equipment
• 📖 Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Bright and zesty flavors- This lemon pasta adds a refreshing and citrusy kick to the dish, making it a perfect choice for a light and flavorful meal.
• Best texture- The addition of breadcrumbs provides a satisfying crunch and rich, savory flavor that complements the pasta beautifully.
• Creamy indulgence- The ricotta cheese adds a creamy texture and subtle sweetness, balancing out the tanginess of the lemon.
• Easy to make- This recipe is simple and quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
• Great for summer entertaining- This pasta dish is perfect for summer gatherings and is sure to impress your guests without keeping you stuck in the kitchen.

Ingredient Notes

Below are ingredient notes. For the complete list and quantities, please refer to the recipe card located at the bottom of the page.

• Pasta- Choose your favorite type of pasta for this dish, such as spaghetti, angel hair or linguini.
• Olive oil- Opt for a good quality extra virgin olive oil for both toasting the breadcrumbs and sautéing the garlic. The flavor of the olive oil will enhance the overall dish.
• Fresh breadcrumbs- Use fresh breadcrumbs made from crustless bread for the best texture. Ciabatta and sourdough are some of my favorites.
• Garlic- Fresh garlic cloves will always provide the best flavor. Skip the jarred stuff.
• Red pepper flakes- Add a hint of heat with crushed red pepper flakes. Adjust the amount according to your spice tolerance.
• Ricotta cheese- Opt for creamy whole milk ricotta cheese for the best texture and flavor.
• Lemon- Use fresh lemons for both the zest and juice. Organic lemons are ideal, especially when using the zest, as they are free from wax and pesticides.
• Basil- Select basil leaves that are vibrant green in color, fragrant, and free from any wilting or blemishes.
• Pepper- For the best flavor, use freshly cracked black pepper instead of pre-ground pepper. This will add a bold and aromatic kick to the dish.
• Parmesan cheese- Freshly grated parmesan cheese rounds all the flavors out with its nutty and salty flavor.

Substitutions

• Pasta- Feel free to use your preferred type of pasta, whether it's traditional wheat, whole wheat, or gluten-free.
• Breadcrumbs- If fresh breadcrumbs aren't available, you can use store-bought breadcrumbs or panko breadcrumbs.
• Ricotta- While ricotta cheese provides a creamy texture, you can substitute with mascarpone cheese.
• Herbs- Optional fresh herbs such as parsley or thyme can be used for garnish.

Step By Step Instructions

Feel free to adjust the quantities of ingredients according to your taste preferences, and don't hesitate to get creative with additional seasonings or garnishes. Enjoy your meal!

STEP 1: Prepare breadcrumbs- Put bread cubes in a food processor and pulse to make coarse breadcrumbs. You should have about 1 cup of breadcrumbs.

STEP 2: Toast the breadcrumbs- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground breadcrumbs, red pepper flakes, salt and pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, until the crumbs are lightly brown and crisp, about 8-10 minutes, depending on the moisture in the bread. Then, remove breadcrumbs from the skillet and set aside.

STEP 3: Cook the pasta.  Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain pasta, making sure to reserve ¼ to ½ cup of pasta water.

STEP 4: Make the sauce- Meanwhile, set your skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil. Then, stir in garlic and cook just until fragrant, about 1 minute Lastly, add the lemon juice, lemon zest, reserved pasta water and fresh cracked black pepper.

Lower the heat and gently simmer for 1-2 minutes.

STEP 5: Combine. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Then, add grated parmesan cheese and toss to evenly coat. Season with salt.

STEP 6: Serve- Transfer the pasta into a serving dish or individual bowls. Dollop with whipped ricotta, breadcrumbs, extra lemon zest, and cracked black pepper. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil (if desired).

STEP 7: Garnish- For a finishing touch, you can garnish the pasta with extra grated parmesan cheese, fresh basil, and grilled lemon slices. Enjoy!

Expert Tips

Choose quality ingredients. Opt for high-quality pasta, olive oil and fresh lemons and fresh herbs. Fresh ingredients will enhance the overall flavor of this dish.

Don't overcook the pasta. Cook the pasta just until al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the sauce.

Save the pasta water. Reserve some of the pasta cooking water before draining. The starchy water can be used to adjust the consistency of the sauce and help it adhere to the pasta.

Use fresh ground black pepper. Freshly cracked black pepper has a more vibrant and aromatic flavor compared to pre-ground pepper, which can lose its potency over time. Using whole black peppercorns and cracking them as needed ensures that you're using the freshest pepper possible.

Hand-grate your parmesan cheese. Freshly grated parmesan cheese has a richer and more complex flavor compared to pre-grated cheese. It also melts beautifully into the pasta. Pre-grated parmesan cheese often contains anti-caking agents and preservatives to prevent clumping.

Incorporate fresh herbs. Consider adding freshly chopped herbs like parsley, basil or thyme to your lemon pasta for an extra layer of flavor and freshness.

FAQ

Storing and Reheating

Once the Lemon Pepper Pasta is cooked, allow it to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Store the leftover pasta in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Reheating

Stovetop- For best results, reheat the pasta on the stovetop. Place the pasta in a skillet with a splash of water or olive oil over low to medium heat. Heat the pasta gently, stirring occasionally, until it's warmed through.

Microwave- To reheat the pasta in the microwave, heat on high power in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval to ensure even heating. If the pasta is dry, add a touch of water or olive oil to moisten it up.

What To Serve With This Easy Lemon Pasta?

• Easy Sourdough Garlic Bread
• Caesar Salad Dressing without Anchovies
• Easy Summer Charcuterie Board
• Hot Crab Spinach Artichoke Dip
• Baked Tuscan Chicken

Helpful Tools and Equipment

• Large pot- For cooking the pasta. Choose a pot large enough to accommodate the pasta and allow for the water to boil without overflowing.
• Colander- To drain the cooked pasta after boiling.
• Skillet or saucepan- For preparing the sauce and sautéing the garlic and breadcrumbs.
• Grater or zester- To zest the lemon for fresh lemon zest.
• Sharp chef's knife- A sharp knife minimizes the crushing and bruising of delicate herbs like basil and parsley.

More Pasta Recipes To Try

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📖 Recipe