Lemon-Parmesan Bliss Sauce
Elevate your pasta dishes with this delightful Lemon-Parmesan Bliss Sauce. This luscious sauce combines the rich creaminess of butter with the sharpness of fresh grated Parmesan and the zesty brightness of lemon peel. Perfectly paired with fettuccine, linguine, or penne, it not only coats your pasta gloriously but also complements a range of proteins, like poached salmon, giving you a versatile addition to your culinary repertoire. Each serving is a burst of flavor that can transform weeknight meals into gourmet experiences. Recipe derived from the beloved 'Pantry Raid Cookbook'.
5
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
1/3 cup (melted)
fresh parmesan cheese
1/4 cup (grated)
lemon peel
1 tablespoon (finely grated)
fresh ground pepper
1/2 teaspoon (none)
salt
to taste (none)
Instructions
1
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat, stirring constantly to prevent it from browning.
2
Once melted, remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until fully incorporated and creamy.
3
Add the finely grated lemon peel and freshly ground pepper, stirring until well blended.
4
Cook your choice of pasta according to package instructions until al dente, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water.
5
Drain the pasta and return it to the pot. Immediately pour the Lemon-Parmesan Bliss Sauce over the pasta, tossing to coat, and add reserved pasta water gradually if a thinner consistency is desired.
6
Taste and season with salt as needed, allowing the flavors to meld together.
7
Serve immediately with additional grated Parmesan at the table for guests to sprinkle as desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lemon-Parmesan Bliss Sauce?
It is a creamy, zesty sauce made from butter, Parmesan cheese, and lemon peel, designed to elevate pasta and protein dishes.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 5 servings.
What are the primary ingredients in the sauce?
The sauce consists of butter, fresh Parmesan cheese, finely grated lemon peel, fresh ground pepper, and salt to taste.
Which types of pasta work best with this sauce?
Fettuccine, linguine, and penne are ideal choices for this Lemon-Parmesan Bliss Sauce.
Can this sauce be used for proteins other than pasta?
Yes, it complements proteins like poached salmon beautifully.
How should the butter be melted?
Melt the butter over low heat in a medium saucepan, stirring constantly to prevent it from browning.
When should I add the Parmesan cheese?
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese once the butter is melted and the saucepan has been removed from the heat.
How much lemon peel is required?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of finely grated lemon peel.
Why do I need to reserve pasta cooking water?
Reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water allows you to thin the sauce to your desired consistency when tossing it with the pasta.
Is this a quick recipe to prepare?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick meal and an easy recipe, perfect for weeknight dinners.
What is the origin of this recipe?
This recipe is derived from the 'Pantry Raid Cookbook'.
How much butter is used in the sauce?
You will need 1/3 cup of butter.
Should the Parmesan be fresh?
Yes, the recipe specifies using 1/4 cup of fresh grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture.
When should the sauce be served?
It should be served immediately after tossing with the pasta to ensure the best taste and consistency.
How do I ensure the sauce is creamy?
By stirring the Parmesan into the melted butter off the heat until it is fully incorporated, you achieve a creamy finish.
What is the recommended preparation for the lemon?
The lemon peel should be finely grated to ensure it blends well into the sauce.
Can I add more cheese at the table?
Yes, it is recommended to provide additional grated Parmesan for guests to sprinkle as desired.
What should the pasta's texture be?
The pasta should be cooked until it is al dente before being combined with the sauce.
How much ground pepper is needed?
The recipe suggests using 1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground pepper.
Is salt included in the ingredient list?
Yes, salt is added 'to taste' at the end of the preparation to help the flavors meld.
What category does this recipe fall into?
This recipe is categorized as a sauce, specifically a butter and lemon-based pasta sauce.
Does the sauce require high heat?
No, the butter should be melted over low heat to avoid browning and maintain a delicate flavor.
How do I adjust the thickness of the sauce?
You can add the reserved pasta water gradually until you reach your preferred thinner consistency.
What makes this sauce 'zesty'?
The addition of finely grated lemon peel provides a zesty brightness that balances the rich butter and cheese.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 5 main ingredients: butter, Parmesan cheese, lemon peel, pepper, and salt.
Is this sauce suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, as long as the Parmesan cheese used is produced with vegetarian rennet.
Should the sauce be cooked once the cheese is added?
No, the cheese should be stirred in after removing the pan from the heat to prevent it from becoming stringy or overcooked.
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of peel?
The recipe specifically calls for grated lemon peel for its aromatic oils and zest; juice would provide a different acid profile.
What is the primary flavor profile?
The flavor profile is rich and creamy from the butter and cheese, accented by citrus brightness and a hint of spice from the pepper.
How is the pasta incorporated?
The drained pasta is returned to its pot, and the sauce is immediately poured over it and tossed to coat.