Description

Pappardelle al Limone is a luscious Italian pasta dish featuring wide ribbons of pappardelle tossed in a creamy lemon sauce made with fresh lemon juice, zest, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. This vibrant, zesty recipe perfectly balances bright citrus flavors with rich creaminess, making it a delightful and comforting main course. Garnished with fresh basil or parsley, it’s an elegant yet simple meal that comes together quickly on the stovetop.

Ingredients

For the Pasta

12 oz pappardelle pasta

For the Sauce

1 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 garlic clove, minced
Zest of 1 lemon
Juice of 1 large lemon (about 3 tablespoons)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and black pepper to taste

For Garnish

Fresh basil or parsley
Additional Parmesan cheese, optional

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pappardelle and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta thoroughly.
Prepare the Sauce: While the pasta is cooking, heat the unsalted butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Stir in the lemon zest, then pour in the heavy cream. Let it simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes to thicken slightly.
Add Lemon and Cheese: Stir the fresh lemon juice and grated Parmesan cheese into the cream sauce. Season with salt and black pepper to taste, adjusting to balance the flavors.
Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked pappardelle to the skillet with the sauce. Gently toss to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it to your desired consistency.
Heat Through and Serve: Cook for another 1 to 2 minutes over low heat to warm everything through and ensure the pasta is well-coated. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil or parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

Use fresh lemon juice for the brightest, freshest flavor.
This dish pairs wonderfully with grilled shrimp or chicken for added protein.
For a lighter sauce, replace heavy cream with half-and-half or use more pasta water and extra cheese.