Recipes
Chef chops lemon in half for his summer pasta recipe that’s done in 10 minutes
Tomatoes aren't the only way to get your pasta on. 🤤🍋
Michael Dabu
06.20.24

Ready for a perfect summer dish that’s quick, easy, and refreshingly delicious?

Say hello to Spaghetti Lemonade, a light and lemony pasta recipe that will make your taste buds dance.

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YouTube - NOT ANOTHER COOKING SHOW

Let’s dive into what you’ll need: spaghetti, a lemon, unsalted butter, and freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano.

Start by boiling a pot of water for the pasta.

Now, here’s a pro tip from Steph: use fresh, high-quality ingredients, especially the Parmigiano Reggiano, to get the best flavor and texture.

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YouTube - NOT ANOTHER COOKING SHOW

When cooking the pasta, grab a medium-sized saucepan if you’re making two portions.

Salt the boiling water generously, making it taste like a well-seasoned broth.

This step is crucial for enhancing the spaghetti’s flavor.

Cook the pasta until it’s al dente, which should take about 10 minutes.

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YouTube - NOT ANOTHER COOKING SHOW

While the pasta is bubbling away, it’s time to prep the sauce ingredients.

Cut the lemon in half and cube half a stick of cold unsalted butter.

Keeping the butter cold is essential for the next steps.

Grate the Parmigiano Reggiano cheese yourself—skip the pre-packaged stuff with anti-caking agents that can mess up the sauce’s texture.

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YouTube - NOT ANOTHER COOKING SHOW

To make the sauce, warm a Saucier or a small saucepan over low heat.

Ladle out a cup of the starchy pasta water and add it to the warm pan.

Squeeze the lemon juice into the Saucier through a strainer to catch any seeds, then toss in the juiced lemon halves for extra flavor.

This mix of starchy water and lemon juice will be the base of your sauce.

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YouTube - NOT ANOTHER COOKING SHOW

Once the spaghetti is ready, transfer it directly into the Saucier.

Stir in the cold butter cubes until they melt and emulsify with the water and lemon juice, creating a light, lemony broth.

Gently press the lemon skins against the pot to release their oils, boosting the lemony flavor of the sauce.

Emulsifying is key here to get a smooth, cohesive sauce.

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YouTube - NOT ANOTHER COOKING SHOW

When it’s time to serve, form a mound of spaghetti in a warm bowl to prevent the sauce from seizing up.

Pour the lemon-butter sauce over the spaghetti, letting it pool at the bottom of the bowl.

This way, every bite of pasta will be coated in that flavorful sauce, making each forkful a delight.

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YouTube - NOT ANOTHER COOKING SHOW

Top the pasta with a generous amount of freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

As you mix and toss the pasta, the cheese will melt slightly, forming a creamy texture that coats the strands.

It’s like a summer twist on Alfredo, with a bright lemony zing.

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YouTube - NOT ANOTHER COOKING SHOW

Enjoy your Spaghetti Lemonade!

This dish is light, lemony, and incredibly satisfying.

The combo of tangy lemon, rich butter, and savory Parmesan creates a unique flavor profile that’s both refreshing and indulgent.

It’s a quick and easy recipe that’s sure to become a summer favorite, offering a perfect balance of simplicity and taste.

See how fast you can whip out a delicious Summertime pasta in the video below!

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