10+ Lemony Pasta Recipes for a Fresh Twist on Dinner

10+ Lemony Pasta Recipes for a Fresh Twist on Dinner

ByCook Fanatic Team Reading Time: 9 minutes

Lemony pasta recipes are a delightful way to bring bright flavors to your meals. These dishes are quick to prepare and can easily elevate your weeknight dinner or impress your guests. Whether you prefer a simple lemon garlic combination or a creamy version, these recipes offer something for everyone.

A bright kitchen with a pot of steaming pasta, fresh lemons, and herbs on a wooden cutting board. A chef's knife and lemon squeezer sit nearby

The tangy taste of lemon pairs perfectly with pasta, creating a refreshing and satisfying dish. You can enjoy these recipes any time of year, as they are light yet satisfying, making them a favorite in many households. Get ready to explore various ingredients and cooking methods that will make your lemon pasta a standout on your table.

1) Zesty Lemon Linguine

A bright yellow lemon linguine dish with zest and slices, surrounded by fresh lemons and a sprig of basil

This Zesty Lemon Linguine is a bright and simple dish. It bursts with flavor from fresh lemons and garlic, making it perfect for any time. The creamy sauce complements the pasta nicely.

You’ll enjoy how quick and easy this meal is to prepare. In just about 20 minutes, you can have a delicious dish ready to serve.

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces linguine
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Cooking Instructions

  1. Cook linguine according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
  3. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Stir in lemon zest and lemon juice.
  5. Toss the cooked linguine in the skillet.
  6. Season with salt and pepper.
  7. Add Parmesan cheese and mix well.
  8. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

2) Creamy Lemon Butter Fettuccine

A plate of creamy lemon butter fettuccine sits on a rustic wooden table, garnished with fresh lemon slices and a sprinkle of chopped parsley

Creamy Lemon Butter Fettuccine is a delightful dish that’s both simple and satisfying. The buttery sauce is brightened by fresh lemon, making each bite refreshing.

To get started, cook your fettuccine pasta according to the package directions until it’s al dente. Meanwhile, melt butter in a pan over medium heat.

Once the butter is melted, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Then, squeeze in some fresh lemon juice and add lemon zest for extra flavor. Stir in heavy cream and let it simmer gently.

Combine the cooked pasta with the creamy sauce and mix everything well. Finish with grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of black pepper. Your tasty dinner is ready!

Ingredients

  • 10 ounces fettuccine
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 lemon (juice and zest)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

  1. Cook fettuccine according to package instructions.
  2. In a pan, melt butter over medium heat.
  3. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
  4. Stir in lemon juice and zest.
  5. Add heavy cream and let it simmer.
  6. Toss cooked pasta with the sauce.
  7. Mix in Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper.

3) Garlic Lemon Spaghetti

A steaming plate of garlic lemon spaghetti sits on a rustic wooden table with a scattering of fresh lemon slices and a sprinkle of parsley

Garlic Lemon Spaghetti is a bright and tasty dish. It combines the fresh flavor of lemon with the rich taste of garlic. You can make this meal quickly, perfect for busy nights.

Start by cooking your spaghetti according to the package instructions. While the pasta cooks, sauté minced garlic in olive oil until fragrant. Then, add lemon juice and zest for a zesty kick.

Once the pasta is ready, toss it in the garlic-lemon mixture. Add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.

This dish is light yet satisfying, making it a great choice for any meal.

Ingredients

  • Spaghetti
  • Olive oil
  • Garlic
  • Fresh lemon juice
  • Lemon zest
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper

Cooking Instructions

  1. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions.
  2. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
  3. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
  4. Stir in lemon juice and lemon zest.
  5. Toss cooked spaghetti with the garlic-lemon mixture.
  6. Serve with Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.

4) Lemon Basil Tagliatelle

A bowl of lemon basil tagliatelle with fresh basil and lemon slices on a rustic wooden table

Lemon Basil Tagliatelle is a light and refreshing dish perfect for any occasion. The bright flavors of lemon and fresh basil create a delightful meal you can whip up quickly.

Start by cooking your tagliatelle according to the package instructions. While it cooks, prepare a sauce with olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and zest. Toss in fresh basil to bring out the flavor.

Once the pasta is ready, drain it and combine it with the sauce. Mix well to ensure every strand is coated. You can garnish with more basil and a sprinkle of parmesan if you like.

Ingredients

  • 8 oz (225 g) tagliatelle
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • Juice and zest of 1 lemon
  • 1 cup fresh basil, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Grated parmesan cheese (optional)

Cooking Instructions

  1. Cook tagliatelle according to package instructions.
  2. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
  3. Add minced garlic, cooking until fragrant.
  4. Stir in lemon juice and zest.
  5. Add chopped basil, salt, and pepper.
  6. Drain pasta and combine with sauce.
  7. Mix well and serve, garnished with parmesan if desired.

5) Tangy Lemon Parmesan Pasta

A bowl of tangy lemon parmesan pasta with fresh lemon slices and grated parmesan on a rustic wooden table

This Tangy Lemon Parmesan Pasta is a bright and simple dish. It features fresh lemon juice and lots of grated Parmesan cheese for a zesty kick. You can make it in no time, perfect for a quick meal.

Start by cooking your pasta until it’s al dente. While it cooks, prepare a sauce with lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil.

Once the pasta is ready, toss it with the sauce and sprinkle on plenty of Parmesan. You can add salt and pepper to taste. Serve it warm, and enjoy the fresh flavors.

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces spaghetti or your choice of pasta
  • 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

  1. Cook pasta in a pot of boiling salted water until al dente.
  2. In a pan, heat olive oil and sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
  3. Add lemon juice to the pan and stir well.
  4. Drain pasta and combine with the sauce.
  5. Mix in grated Parmesan, salt, and pepper.
  6. Serve warm.

6) Bright Lemon Penne with Chicken

A steaming plate of bright yellow lemon penne topped with tender pieces of chicken, surrounded by fresh lemon slices and herbs

Bright Lemon Penne with Chicken is a delightful dish that you can whip up in no time. The combination of juicy chicken, zesty lemon, and tender penne creates a dish that is fresh and satisfying.

Start by cooking the penne pasta until it’s al dente. While that’s cooking, sauté your chicken pieces until they are golden and cooked through.

Once the chicken is ready, add garlic and fresh herbs for an extra kick. Then, mix in the cooked pasta, fresh lemon juice, and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese for creaminess.

This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Your family will love the bright flavors!

Ingredients

  • 8 oz (225 g) penne pasta
  • 1 lb (450 g) chicken breast, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 lemons, juiced
  • ½ cup (50 g) parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Fresh herbs (like parsley or basil)

Cooking Instructions

  1. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions.
  2. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
  3. Add diced chicken and cook until golden.
  4. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
  5. Mix in cooked penne, lemon juice, and cheese.
  6. Toss with fresh herbs before serving.

7) Lemon and Herb Orzo

A bowl of orzo pasta with fresh herbs and lemon slices on a rustic wooden table

Lemon and herb orzo is a refreshing side dish that brightens up any meal. The combination of zesty lemon and fresh herbs makes it light and flavorful. You can enjoy it with grilled chicken or fish.

To make this dish, you’ll need orzo pasta, fresh basil, chives, and dill. Zesty lemon juice and peel add a citrus kick. This recipe is quick and easy, taking just around 20 minutes to prepare.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup dried orzo pasta
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon peel, finely shredded
  • 1 tablespoon thinly sliced fresh basil
  • 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
  • ¼ cup pasta cooking water
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

  1. Boil water and cook the orzo according to the package instructions.
  2. Drain the orzo, saving a bit of the cooking water.
  3. In a bowl, mix the cooked orzo with lemon juice, lemon peel, and herbs.
  4. Add pasta water to reach your desired consistency and season with salt and pepper.

8) Luscious Lemon Risotto

A steaming pot of creamy lemon risotto simmering on a stovetop, surrounded by fresh lemons, a wooden spoon, and a sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese

Lemon risotto is a creamy and flavorful dish that can brighten any meal. The fresh lemon juice adds a refreshing zing, making it a perfect choice for springtime dining.

To make it luscious, start with Arborio rice, which cooks to a creamy texture. You’ll also need Parmesan cheese for extra richness.

Fried capers can add a nice saltiness that balances the lemon. The dish is comforting and can be served as a main course or a side.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup Arborio rice
  • 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 lemon (juiced and zested)
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 onion (finely chopped)
  • 2 tablespoons fried capers
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

  1. Heat the broth in a pot and keep it warm.
  2. In a pan, melt the butter and sauté the onion until soft.
  3. Add the Arborio rice and stir for 1-2 minutes.
  4. Gradually add the warm broth, one ladle at a time, stirring continuously.
  5. After 15-18 minutes, when the rice is creamy, stir in lemon juice, zest, and Parmesan.
  6. Season with salt and pepper, and top with fried capers before serving.

9) Citrus Infused Angel Hair

A bowl of angel hair pasta with lemon slices and citrus zest

Citrus Infused Angel Hair is a light and zesty dish that brightens up your meal. Using angel hair pasta gives it a delicate texture, perfect for capturing flavors.

To start, you’ll use fresh lemon and orange juice. This adds a refreshing twist to your pasta. A hint of garlic and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese finish it off nicely.

The best part is how quick it is to prepare. In just under 20 minutes, you’ll have a delicious dish ready to enjoy.

Ingredients

  • 8 oz angel hair pasta
  • 1 lemon (juiced)
  • 1 orange (juiced)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Cooking Instructions

  1. Cook the angel hair pasta according to package instructions.
  2. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
  3. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
  4. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
  5. Mix in the lemon and orange juice.
  6. Then, combine the pasta with the citrus mixture.
  7. Stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
  8. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

10) Lemon Pesto Tortellini

A bowl of lemon pesto tortellini with fresh basil and lemon slices on a rustic wooden table

Lemon Pesto Tortellini is a bright and flavorful dish that’s easy to prepare. You will enjoy the fresh taste of lemon combined with the creamy texture of pesto.

Start by cooking your tortellini according to the package instructions. While the tortellini is cooking, prepare the lemon pesto. You can use store-bought pesto or make your own by blending fresh basil, lemon juice, and olive oil.

Once the tortellini is ready, drain it and toss it in the lemon pesto. Make sure each piece is well coated. Feel free to add some grated cheese and a sprinkle of nuts for extra flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Ingredients:

  • 250g tortellini (spinach and ricotta recommended)
  • 1/2 cup pesto
  • 1 lemon (zest and juice)
  • Grated cheese (like Romano or Parmesan)
  • Chopped nuts (optional)

Cooking Instructions:

  1. Cook tortellini according to package instructions.
  2. In a bowl, mix pesto with lemon zest and juice.
  3. Drain the tortellini and toss with the lemon pesto.
  4. Serve topped with cheese and nuts if desired.

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