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Jamie Oliver Lemon and Parmesan Pasta

Jamie Oliver Lemon and Parmesan Pasta
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Jamie Oliver Lemon and Parmesan Pasta is an Italian-inspired pasta dish where freshly cooked pasta is tossed with butter, olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, Parmesan cheese, and reserved pasta water to create a silky, flavorful sauce.

Instead of relying on cream, the sauce is naturally emulsified using the starch from the pasta water, giving it a luxurious texture while allowing the fresh lemon and cheese to remain the stars of the dish.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Pasta

    • 400g spaghetti, linguine, or tagliatelle

    • 60g unsalted butter

    • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

    • 2 lemons (zest and juice)

    • 100g freshly grated Parmesan cheese

    • Salt, to taste

    • Freshly ground black pepper

Optional Ingredients

    • Fresh basil leaves

    • Fresh parsley

    • Garlic (1–2 cloves, minced)

    • Chili flakes

    • Baby spinach

    • Toasted pine nuts

    • Grilled chicken

    • Cooked prawns

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large saucepan of generously salted water to the boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water.

Step 2: Prepare the Lemon

While the pasta cooks, finely grate the zest from both lemons, then squeeze out the juice. Be careful to avoid the bitter white pith when zesting.

Step 3: Melt the Butter

In a large frying pan, gently melt the butter with the olive oil over low heat. If using garlic, add it now and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant without allowing it to brown.

Step 4: Add the Lemon

Stir the lemon zest and most of the lemon juice into the butter mixture. Allow everything to warm gently for about a minute so the flavors combine.

Step 5: Combine the Pasta

Transfer the drained pasta directly into the pan with the butter and lemon mixture. Toss thoroughly until every strand is coated.

Step 6: Add Parmesan and Pasta Water

Gradually sprinkle in the grated Parmesan while continuously tossing the pasta. Add a little reserved pasta water at a time until the cheese melts into a smooth, silky sauce.

Step 7: Season to Taste

Taste the pasta and adjust with salt, freshly ground black pepper, or a little more lemon juice if desired. The balance between the cheese and citrus should be bright but not overpowering.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Finish with extra Parmesan, fresh herbs, cracked black pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil before serving immediately.

Find it online: https://jamieolivereats.uk/lemon-and-parmesan-pasta/