This Lemony + Cheesy Pasta is the most perfect pasta dish for summer. It’s extremely simple to make but it’s honestly one of my all time favorite recipes. Made a simple salad as a side and it was just perfection.
Cook your pasta according to the package directions, ensuring to generously salt the pasta water. Do not strain the pasta; instead, remove it directly from the cooking water into the pan with the sauce. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the grated cheese and lemon zest, then slowly add pasta water to create a thick, creamy paste. Set this aside. Heat a large saucepan over medium heat and add about 1 tsp of black pepper and the butter. Once the butter is melted, add about 1/3 cup pasta water to the pan. Using tongs, transfer the cooked pasta straight from its water into the saucepan. Add in the prepared cheese sauce and combine thoroughly. Season with salt, pepper, and red chili flakes to taste. Add more pasta water if the pasta appears dry. Remove the pan from heat and stir in the lemon juice. Combine well and season to taste. Serve immediately with fresh parsley and additional cheese.
