Description
Pappardelle al Limone is a bright and creamy Italian pasta dish featuring wide ribbon-like pappardelle noodles tossed in a luscious lemon-infused cream sauce, enriched with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and fragrant basil. This quick and elegant meal delivers a perfect balance of citrus zing and savory richness, ready in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 oz pappardelle pasta
Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Zest of 2 lemons
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- ½ cup fresh basil leaves, torn
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pappardelle pasta and cook until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes depending on the package instructions. Reserve about a cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
- Prepare the lemon cream sauce: In a skillet over medium heat, gently warm the heavy cream along with the lemon zest and lemon juice. Make sure the mixture is heated through but not boiling to preserve the creaminess and bright lemon flavors.
- Incorporate the Parmesan: Gradually stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese into the warm cream mixture until fully melted and smooth. Season the sauce with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Toss pasta with sauce: Add the drained pappardelle into the skillet and gently toss to coat the noodles evenly with the lemon cream sauce. Add reserved pasta water as needed, a little at a time, to reach your desired sauce consistency. Fold in the torn fresh basil leaves for an aromatic touch.
- Serve immediately: Plate the pasta and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and basil leaves if desired. Serve right away to enjoy the sauce at its creamy best.
Notes
- Be careful not to boil the cream and lemon mixture to avoid curdling.
- Reserve pasta water is key to adjusting sauce consistency; add gradually.
- Freshly grated Parmesan melts better than pre-grated.
- Use ripe lemons for the best zest and juice flavor.
- This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or grilled chicken for added protein.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
