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Spaghetti al Limone

This classic spaghetti al limone is a bright and elegant vegetarian dish that celebrates the simple harmony of citrus and cream. The zest provides a fragrant aroma while the fresh juice cuts through the richness of the Parmesan and double cream, creating a velvety sauce that coats every strand of pasta. It is the perfect recipe for those evenings when you want a sophisticated, restaurant-quality meal with minimal preparation and just a handful of high-quality larder staples.

Ideal for a quick midweek dinner or a relaxed weekend lunch, this zesty pasta is wonderfully comforting yet light enough for the warmer months. Serving the dish with a final flourish of lemon strands and cracked black pepper ensures a beautiful presentation. For the best results, ensure your Parmesan is finely grated so it melts seamlessly into the sauce, providing a savoury depth that balances the vibrant lemon flavour.

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Ingredients for Spaghetti al Limone

  • 1 lemon

  • 350g spaghetti or other long pasta

  • Kosher salt

  • 180ml double cream

  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter

  • 90g Parmesan, finely grated (about 110g )

  • Freshly ground black pepper

Using a vegetable peeler, remove two (2"-long) strips of lemon zest. Thinly slice each strip lengthwise into strands; set aside for serving. Finely grate remaining zest into a large Dutch oven or other heavy pot. Cut lemon in half and squeeze juice into a small bowl to yield 2 tablespoons ; set aside.

Add cream to pot and cook over medium heat, whisking often, until liquid is just beginning to simmer, about 2 minutes. Reduce heat to medium-low. Whisk in butter 1 tablespoon at a time until melted and sauce is creamy. Remove from heat; cover to keep warm.

Meanwhile, cook pasta in another large pot of boiling salted water, stirring occasionally, until very al dente, about 2 minutes less than package directions.

Scoop out 180ml pasta cooking liquid and add to cream sauce. Return sauce to medium heat. Using tongs, transfer pasta to sauce and cook, tossing often and adding Parmesan a little at a time, until sauce is creamy, about 3 minutes. If sauce looks tight, add 1–2 tablespoons more pasta cooking liquid. (Cream sauces tighten as they cool, so lean on the saucy side.) Stir in reserved lemon juice; season with salt.

Divide pasta among bowls. Season with pepper and top with reserved lemon zest strands.

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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