Pappardelle al Limone is a creamy, lemon-infused pasta dish that perfectly balances bright, zesty flavors with a rich, smooth sauce. The wide ribbons of pappardelle pasta, whether fresh or dried, are coated with a buttery lemon sauce, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese, making this dish both decadent and refreshing. Ready in under 20 minutes, it’s a perfect quick dinner that feels luxurious with minimal effort.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 300g (about 10oz) fresh pappardelle (or 220g dried pasta)

• 30g butter

• 2 garlic cloves (minced)

• Zest of 1 organic lemon (avoid the white pith)

• Juice of 1 lemon

• 150ml (about 1/2 cup) heavy cream

• 100g Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)

• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

• Salt and pepper (to taste)

Directions

1. Prepare the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Meanwhile, prepare the sauce.

2. Cook the Sauce: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat until frothy. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant (don’t let it brown). Add lemon zest and juice, and whisk to emulsify the mixture into a smooth sauce.

3. Add the Cream and Cheese: Lower the heat and slowly add the cream. Gradually sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese while stirring continuously to achieve a smooth and velvety sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Cook the Pasta: Add the pappardelle to the boiling water and cook for 2-3 minutes if fresh, or according to package instructions if using dried. Drain the pasta, reserving a bit of pasta water.

5. Combine: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing it in the creamy lemon sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

6. Serve: Plate the pappardelle, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and garnish with extra lemon zest. Serve immediately.

Nutrients (per serving)

• Calories: 565 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 5g

• Protein: 20g

• Fat: 52g

  • Saturated Fat: 33g

• Cholesterol: 152mg

• Sodium: 918mg

• Potassium: 133mg

• Fiber: 0.1g

• Sugar: 3g

The Role of Pappardelle: Wide, Velvety Ribbons of Pasta

Pappardelle is a wide, flat pasta that is perfect for carrying a rich sauce like the one used in Pappardelle al Limone. Its broad shape allows it to hold more sauce, making each bite a perfect mix of pasta and creamy lemon goodness. While fresh pappardelle is ideal for its tender texture, dried pasta can also be used if you’re looking for a more pantry-friendly option. Fresh pasta cooks much quicker, and its delicate nature pairs perfectly with the creamy, citrusy sauce. Dried pappardelle is a good substitute if fresh pasta isn’t available, but be sure to cook it al dente for the best results.

The beauty of pappardelle is not just in its shape, but in the way it absorbs and holds the sauce, making the pasta even more flavorful. It’s this characteristic that makes pappardelle the ideal choice for such a rich sauce.

Creating the Sauce: A Balance of Richness and Brightness

The sauce for Pappardelle al Limone is deceptively simple but incredibly delicious. The base is a combination of butter, garlic, lemon zest, and lemon juice. The butter adds a rich, creamy foundation, while the garlic adds an aromatic depth to the sauce. The lemon zest infuses the dish with bright, fresh citrus notes, and the lemon juice provides the acidity that cuts through the richness of the cream and cheese.

Once the garlic and lemon are combined with butter, heavy cream is added to create a silky, smooth texture. The cream, paired with the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, contributes to the luxurious feel of the sauce. The Parmesan adds both richness and a salty, nutty flavor, helping to balance the lemon’s tanginess. A little salt and pepper round out the sauce, making it both savory and refreshing.

The Importance of Properly Cooking the Pasta

Cooking the pappardelle to perfection is key to this dish. If you’re using fresh pasta, it will only need 2-3 minutes in boiling salted water. Fresh pasta cooks very quickly, and it’s important to not overcook it. If you’re using dried pappardelle, follow the package instructions and aim for al dente, so the pasta retains its bite and doesn’t become mushy.

Once the pasta is cooked, remember to save a bit of the pasta water before draining. This starchy water can be added to the sauce if needed to adjust its consistency. If your sauce becomes too thick, a splash of reserved pasta water will loosen it up, making the sauce more velvety and easier to coat the pasta.

Combining Pasta and Sauce: The Key to a Smooth Dish

After the pasta is drained, the next step is to toss it in the sauce. Adding the pasta directly to the skillet allows it to soak up the creamy sauce, ensuring every ribbon of pappardelle is coated evenly. If the sauce is too thick, don’t hesitate to add a little of the reserved pasta water. This helps the sauce better adhere to the pasta and creates a smooth, glossy finish. Toss the pasta gently in the skillet, making sure each piece is enveloped in the creamy lemon sauce.

It’s important to toss the pasta in the sauce right away while it’s still warm. This helps the pasta absorb the flavors and makes the dish even more comforting. Be careful not to let the sauce sit too long on the heat once the cream is added, as overcooking can cause it to separate.

Serving Pappardelle al Limone: A Beautiful, Elegant Dish

Once the pasta is coated in the creamy lemon sauce, it’s time to plate and serve. For a touch of color and freshness, garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley. The bright green parsley adds a pop of color that contrasts beautifully with the creamy, yellow sauce. For an added burst of citrus, you can sprinkle some extra lemon zest over the top of the dish. This not only enhances the lemon flavor but also adds a lovely aromatic finish to the dish.

Serve the pappardelle immediately, while the sauce is still warm and velvety. Pappardelle al Limone pairs well with a light salad, such as arugula or mixed greens, dressed with a light vinaigrette. If you want to add some protein to the meal, grilled chicken or shrimp would be a perfect complement to the pasta.

Nutritional Considerations

Pappardelle al Limone is a rich and indulgent dish, thanks to the combination of butter, cream, and Parmesan cheese. Each serving contains approximately 565 calories, with 52 grams of fat and 20 grams of protein. While this dish is certainly decadent, it can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. The lemon and parsley add a refreshing, light element to the dish, which helps balance out its richness. If you’re looking to make it a bit lighter, consider using less cream or substituting with a lighter alternative like half-and-half or a non-dairy cream.

Conclusion

Pappardelle al Limone is the perfect dish when you’re looking for something that feels luxurious but can be made in under 20 minutes. The combination of creamy sauce, bright lemon flavor, and the wide ribbons of pappardelle create a satisfying and elegant meal that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or simply want a quick, indulgent dinner, this dish delivers both in flavor and presentation. It’s a recipe that’s easy to make, yet feels like a treat every time you serve it.