Roasting the lemons mellows their acidity and brings out their natural sweetness. Using Meyer lemons will enhance the sweetness of the dish. Don't overcook the garlic, as it can become bitter. Reserve pasta water! It's essential for creating a creamy, emulsified sauce. Feel free to add other vegetables to the pasta, such as spinach, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus. For a richer flavor, add a tablespoon of butter to the sauce along with the lemon pulp.
Roasted Lemon Pasta
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PREP TIME15 mins
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COOK TIME35 mins
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TOTAL TIME50 mins
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SERVING4 People
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VIEWS13
Transform ordinary pasta into a vibrant culinary experience with the bright, zesty flavors of roasted lemon. This dish elevates simple ingredients into a symphony of taste, perfect for a quick weeknight meal or an elegant lunch.
Ingridients
Adjust Servings
Nutrition
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Carbohydrate45 g
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Fiber7 g
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Protein11 g
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Saturated Fat1 g
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Sodium66 mg
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Sugar1 g
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Fat11 g
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Unsaturated Fat0 g
Follow The Directions
01
StepPreheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). (5 minutes)
02
StepWrap each lemon individually in aluminum foil. This helps to steam them and intensify the flavor. (2 minutes)
03
StepPlace the wrapped lemons in the preheated oven and roast until they are very tender and easily pierced with a fork, about 30 minutes.
04
StepWhile the lemons are roasting, bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a rolling boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package directions, until al dente (usually around 11 minutes). Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining. (15 minutes)
05
StepOnce the lemons are cool enough to handle, remove them from the foil. Slice each lemon in half and squeeze the roasted pulp and juice into a bowl, being careful to remove any seeds. (5 minutes)
06
StepIn a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, being careful not to burn it, about 1 minute. (2 minutes)
07
StepAdd the roasted lemon pulp and juice to the skillet and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. (3 minutes)
08
StepAdd the cooked pasta to the skillet along with the fresh basil, salt, and pepper. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly with the lemon sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency. (5 minutes)
09
StepServe immediately, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, if desired.
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Winona Herman
Jun 22, 2025The pasta water trick is a must! It made the sauce so creamy and luscious.
Korey Smith
Jun 17, 2025I was skeptical about roasting lemons, but it really works! My family loved this dish.
Kathleen Crooks
Jun 8, 2025This recipe is a game-changer! The roasted lemons add such a unique and delicious flavor to the pasta.
Abelardo Heller
Jun 3, 2025Easy to make and bursting with flavor. I added some grilled chicken for extra protein.