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Spaghetti Limone Parmeggiano

This lemon and Parmesan spaghetti is a masterclass in simplicity, proving that a handful of high-quality ingredients can produce a truly elegant meal. Inspired by the classic flavours of Southern Italy, this vegetarian dish relies on the punchy zest of fresh lemons and the savoury richness of aged Parmesan. It is a bright, fragrant pasta that feels wonderfully light yet deeply satisfying, making it an ideal choice for a quick midweek dinner or a relaxed weekend lunch.

The secret to the silky, emulsified sauce lies in the starchy pasta cooking water, which transforms the cheese and citrus into a glossy coating for the noodles. Finished with handfuls of torn basil and a final crack of black pepper, this homemade favourite is best served immediately. It pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad and a glass of chilled white wine for a complete Mediterranean-style experience.

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Ingredients for Spaghetti Limone Parmeggiano

  • 350g (3/4 box) spaghetti

  • Coarse salt

  • 1 lemon

  • 170g finely grated fresh Parmesan cheese

  • 1/2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper

  • 40ml extra virgin olive oil

  • 3-5 tablespoons of pasta water, to thin

  • Handful fresh basil leaves (from 4 leafy stems)

Boil the spaghetti in salted boiling water, according to the package directions.

Meanwhile, using a Microplane, grate the zest from the lemon into a large mixing bowl. Cut the lemon in half and squeeze the juice into the bowl (I like to use the grater as a strainer—one less thing to clean). Add the 230g Parmesan, pepper, and a pinch of salt, and mix in the olive oil to form a wet paste.

When the spaghetti is perfectly cooked, add 2 or 3 tablespoons of the cooking water to the lemon and cheese mixture. Add the spaghetti to the bowl and toss thoroughly, adding another tablespoon or 2 of pasta water if necessary so that the sauce coats each strand. Roughly tear in the basil leaves.

Serve each portion with a sprinkle of coarse salt, a fresh grind of black pepper, and a few gratings of extra Parmesan.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 28 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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