Lemon Zest & Pine Nut Spaghetti
This delightful Lemon Zest & Pine Nut Spaghetti is a modern take on a classic Italian dish, inspired by recipes passed down through generations. A dear friend from Italy shared this treasured family recipe, originally focused on simplicity and fresh flavors. I've adapted it to incorporate whole wheat spaghetti for added nutrition and flavor, while still embodying the essence of traditional Italian cooking. Bursting with zesty lemon, fragrant garlic, and crunchy pine nuts, this dish is the perfect light meal or side, taking mere minutes to prepare. Its vibrant flavors and wholesome ingredients make it a favorite for quick dinners or gatherings, sure to impress family and friends alike.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
whole wheat spaghetti
12 ounces (Cooked according to package instructions)
pine nuts
2/3 cup (Toasted and chopped)
Parmesan cheese
1 cup (Grated (avoid pre-shredded))
garlic
3 teaspoons (Minced)
olive oil
1/4 cup (Used for sautéing)
lemons
2 (Zested and juiced)
fresh parsley
1/4 cup (Finely chopped)
salt
to taste
black pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
Start by toasting the pine nuts. Heat a small dry skillet over medium heat. Add the pine nuts and toast them until they are golden brown and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning. Once done, remove from heat, let cool slightly, and chop roughly.
2
Prepare the whole wheat spaghetti according to the package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water. Once al dente, reserve 2 cups of the pasta cooking water and then drain the pasta. Keep the pasta warm in the strainer while you make the sauce.
3
In the same pot used for cooking the pasta, return it to medium heat and add the olive oil. Once heated, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
4
Add the cooked spaghetti back into the pot with the sautéed garlic and olive oil. Mix in the lemon juice, lemon zest, grated Parmesan, toasted pine nuts, finely chopped parsley, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Pour in 1 cup of the reserved pasta water and toss everything together until well combined. Add more pasta water as necessary to achieve your desired consistency.
5
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately, optionally garnished with extra Parmesan cheese or chopped parsley if desired. Enjoy this refreshing dish!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main dish featured in this recipe?
The dish is Lemon Zest & Pine Nut Spaghetti, a modern take on a classic Italian meal.
What type of pasta is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 12 ounces of whole wheat spaghetti for added nutrition and flavor.
How do I prepare the pine nuts?
Toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until golden brown, then chop them roughly.
How many lemons are needed?
You will need 2 lemons, both zested and juiced.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this is a vegetarian-friendly pasta dish.
What kind of cheese should I use?
Use 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese; avoid using pre-shredded varieties for better melting.
How much garlic is required?
The recipe uses 3 teaspoons of minced garlic.
What is the purpose of reserving pasta water?
Reserving 2 cups of pasta water allows you to adjust the sauce consistency and help it coat the spaghetti.
What oil is used for sautéing?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of olive oil to sauté the garlic.
Which fresh herb is used as a garnish?
Finely chopped fresh parsley is used both in the dish and as an optional garnish.
How long should I sauté the garlic?
Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute until it is fragrant but not browned.
What are the primary flavors of this dish?
The dish is characterized by zesty lemon, fragrant garlic, and crunchy pine nuts.
Can I use regular spaghetti instead of whole wheat?
Yes, while whole wheat is suggested for health benefits, regular spaghetti can be used as a substitute.
How much pasta cooking water should I initially add to the sauce?
Start by adding 1 cup of the reserved pasta water when tossing the ingredients.
Is this dish intended as a main or a side?
It can be served as a light main meal or as a side dish.
What is the origin of this recipe?
It is inspired by a traditional Italian family recipe shared by a friend.
How do I know when the pine nuts are done toasting?
They should be golden brown and fragrant, which usually takes 3 to 5 minutes.
What seasonings are added at the end?
A generous pinch of salt and black pepper are added to taste.
Should the pasta be cooked fully?
The pasta should be cooked until al dente according to the package instructions.
What is the best way to serve this spaghetti?
Serve it immediately, optionally garnished with extra Parmesan or parsley.
How much olive oil is in the recipe?
The recipe requires 1/4 cup of olive oil.
Can I make this recipe quickly?
Yes, it is described as a quick meal that takes mere minutes to prepare once the water is boiling.
What should I do if the pasta seems too dry?
Add more of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
Is the garlic minced or sliced?
The garlic should be minced for this recipe.
How many pine nuts are used?
The recipe calls for 2/3 cup of pine nuts.
Should the pine nuts be left whole?
No, they should be toasted and then roughly chopped.
Is the pasta water salted?
Yes, the spaghetti should be cooked in a large pot of salted boiling water.
What is the texture of the finished dish?
It is a light, refreshing pasta with a bit of crunch from the nuts and a silky sauce from the oil and pasta water.
Is this a heavy Italian meal?
No, it is a light and vibrant dish focusing on fresh, simple ingredients.
Can I add extra lemon zest?
Yes, you can adjust the seasoning and lemon levels to suit your personal taste.