Spaghetti al Limone
Pasta with lemon, butter & parmesan
Ingredients
- 200 g Spaghetti
- 1 Lemon
- 40 g Butter
- 60 g Parmigiano-Reggiano
- 1 tsp Salt
- ½ tsp Black pepper
- 1 tbsp Extra-virgin olive oil (optional)
Method
- Bring a pot of water to a boil and salt it well.
- While the water heats, grate the parmesan finely, then zest and juice the lemon.
- Cook the spaghetti until one minute shy of al dente (firm to the bite).
- Reserve a mugful of pasta water, then drain.
- Off the heat, melt the butter with the lemon juice and olive oil, then toss in the pasta, parmesan, and a splash of pasta water until glossy and creamy.
- Plate and finish with black pepper and extra parmesan.
Tap “Start cooking” for live timers that flag what to get ahead on while something simmers.
About Spaghetti al Limone
Spaghetti al limone is a bright, creamy pasta from the lemon-growing coasts of southern Italy, particularly the Amalfi region where fragrant Sfusato lemons perfume everything. There is no cream in it despite the luxurious texture; instead richness comes from butter and finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano emulsified with lemon juice and starchy pasta water into a glossy sauce. It is a dish built on balance, the sharp citrus kept in check by fat and salt so the acidity reads as freshness rather than sourness.
On the plate the pasta is silky and pale gold, coating the spaghetti in a sauce that is at once tangy, savoury, and buttery, finished with a generous grind of black pepper. Building the sauce off the heat is key: it lets the cheese melt smoothly without seizing, and the reserved pasta water loosens everything into a creamy emulsion. Quick enough for a weeknight yet elegant enough to serve to guests, spaghetti al limone shines as a light main course, especially in warmer months, and pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine and a simple green salad. Extra grated parmesan at the table is never unwelcome.
Spaghetti al Limone: frequently asked questions
How many calories are in Spaghetti al Limone?
A serving has about 700 calories — 24.1g protein, 77.8g carbs, 32.2g fat, 3.4g fiber. Figures are estimated from the ingredient amounts and will shift with your portions and brands.
Is Spaghetti al Limone gluten-free?
As written, no — it contains Spaghetti. You'd need a certified gluten-free swap for that ingredient to make it gluten-free.
Is Spaghetti al Limone dairy-free?
Not as written — it uses Butter, Parmigiano-Reggiano. Swapping those for a plant-based alternative makes it dairy-free.
How long does Spaghetti al Limone take to make?
About 20 minutes start to finish, but only around 7 of those are hands-on — the rest is cooking time. In the Homecooked app the timers and parallel steps are sequenced for you so the hands-on part feels even shorter.
Do I need every ingredient to make Spaghetti al Limone?
The core ingredients are essential, but you can leave out extra-virgin olive oil — it's optional and mainly there for extra flavor or finish.
How many servings does Spaghetti al Limone make?
This recipe makes 2 servings. In the app you can scale it up or down and the ingredient amounts adjust automatically.