If you are searching for a bright, zesty, and satisfying pasta dish that bursts with freshness, the Lemon Pepper Spaghetti Recipe is your new go-to favorite. This recipe perfectly balances the tangy punch of lemon with the boldness of cracked black pepper, creating a harmonious flavor that dances on your taste buds. With simple ingredients that come together quickly, this dish transforms everyday spaghetti into a vibrant meal that feels both light and indulgent, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests with minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Lemon Pepper Spaghetti Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays an important role — from the peppery twang and citrus brightness to the richness of cheese and fresh green spinach for a pop of color and nutrition.
- 12 ounces spaghetti: The classic base that carries all the wonderful flavors and offers that satisfying al dente bite.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil: Adds a silky richness and helps everything meld together beautifully.
- 3 cups packed baby spinach: Provides freshness, color, and a tender texture that complements the pasta perfectly.
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced: Gives a savory depth that balances the lemon’s acidity.
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, or to taste: A gentle heat that wakes up your palate without overpowering the dish.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors and seasons the pasta just right.
- 1 teaspoon black pepper: Adds the signature peppery kick essential to this recipe.
- Zest and juice of 1 large lemon: The star of the show, bringing fresh, bright citrus notes.
- ½ cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese, plus more for serving: Offers a salty, nutty, umami-rich finish that ties all the flavors together wonderfully.
How to Make Lemon Pepper Spaghetti Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
Start by cooking the spaghetti according to the package instructions until it reaches that perfect al dente texture. Don’t forget to save half a cup of the pasta water before draining — this starchy water is a magic ingredient for creating a smooth sauce that clings to every strand.
Step 2: Wilt Spinach and Sauté Garlic
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and baby spinach, cooking until the spinach is just wilted and the garlic is fragrant but not browned. This step builds layers of flavor and adds a lovely green freshness to the dish.
Step 3: Add Heat and Seasonings
Next, stir in the red pepper flakes, kosher salt, and black pepper to the skillet, mixing well with the spinach and garlic. Then add the lemon zest and fresh lemon juice, infusing the dish with that bright citrus zing that makes this recipe so memorable.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Return the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing it thoroughly to coat each noodle in the luscious sauce. Add about a quarter cup of the reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce and help it adhere beautifully. Take the skillet off the heat and stir in the Pecorino Romano cheese, stirring quickly to melt it into a creamy, flavorful finish.
Step 5: Serve Immediately
Serve the Lemon Pepper Spaghetti right away, with extra Pecorino Romano cheese on the side so everyone can add as much cheesy, salty goodness as they desire. This dish shines when enjoyed fresh and warm, making every bite delightful.
How to Serve Lemon Pepper Spaghetti Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil adds a burst of green freshness and visual appeal. A little extra cracked black pepper or lemon zest on top amplifies the flavors and keeps the dish lively.
Side Dishes
Pair this pasta with a crisp Caesar salad or a refreshing cucumber and tomato salad to balance the richness. Garlic bread or a warm baguette is always a welcome addition, perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce on the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Lemon Pepper Spaghetti as a cold pasta salad garnished with cherry tomatoes and olives for a light lunch. You could also add grilled shrimp or chicken atop the pasta to turn it into a hearty meal that satisfies any appetite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Lemon Pepper Spaghetti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Since the sauce is light and fresh, prompt refrigeration keeps it tasting vibrant. Refresh leftovers with a squeeze of fresh lemon before reheating to bring back brightness.
Freezing
This Lemon Pepper Spaghetti Recipe freezes okay but is best enjoyed fresh. If you do freeze it, use a freezer-safe container and consume within 1 month for optimal flavor. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil to loosen the sauce as it warms. Avoid microwaving if possible, to keep the texture tender and prevent the spinach from becoming soggy.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While spaghetti is classic, this recipe works beautifully with linguine, fettuccine, or even penne. Just adjust the cooking time as needed to keep the pasta al dente.
Is Pecorino Romano essential, or can I substitute another cheese?
Pecorino Romano adds a characteristic salty and nutty flavor that complements the lemon and pepper perfectly. However, Parmesan can be a suitable and more accessible substitute if needed.
How spicy is the dish with red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes provide a mild warmth that enhances the flavor without making the dish very spicy. You can always adjust the amount depending on your heat tolerance or omit it altogether for a gentler version.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Swap the Pecorino Romano cheese for a vegan cheese alternative or nutritional yeast and use olive oil generously. The spinach, lemon, and pepper combo still shine without the cheese.
What’s the best way to zest a lemon?
Use a microplane or fine grater to zest only the yellow part of the lemon skin, avoiding the bitter white pith underneath. Fresh zest packs the best citrus punch for this recipe.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with the vibrant flavors and easy preparation of this Lemon Pepper Spaghetti Recipe. It’s a bright, comforting dish that feels special yet comes together in no time. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this pasta as much as I do—it’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen rotation!
Print
Lemon Pepper Spaghetti Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A bright and flavorful Lemon Pepper Spaghetti recipe that combines al dente pasta with a zesty lemon and pepper sauce, vibrant baby spinach, garlic, and tangy Pecorino Romano cheese. This quick and easy dish is perfect for a light, refreshing meal that comes together in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 ounces spaghetti
Sauce and Vegetables
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cups packed baby spinach
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, or to taste
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- Zest and juice of 1 large lemon
Cheese
- ½ cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese, plus more for serving
Instructions
- Cook Spaghetti: Cook the spaghetti according to the package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water to help adjust the sauce consistency later.
- Sauté Spinach and Garlic: While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the baby spinach and minced garlic, cooking until the spinach has wilted and the garlic is fragrant.
- Add Seasonings and Lemon: Stir in the red pepper flakes, kosher salt, black pepper, lemon zest, and lemon juice, mixing well to combine all the flavors in the skillet.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss it with the lemon-spinach sauce. If the sauce seems dry, add ¼ cup of the reserved pasta water to loosen it. Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the grated Pecorino Romano cheese until melted and well distributed.
- Serve: Serve the spaghetti immediately, garnished with additional Pecorino Romano cheese on the side for extra flavor.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes based on your desired spice level.
- Reserve pasta water is key to achieving a silky sauce texture.
- You can substitute Pecorino Romano with Parmesan if preferred.
- For a vegan version, omit cheese and use nutritional yeast or vegan cheese alternatives.
- Fresh lemon zest and juice provide the best bright lemon flavor.
