10+ Lemony Pasta Recipes to Brighten Your Meal Time

Lemony pasta recipes offer a bright and refreshing twist to your dinner table. These dishes blend the tangy flavor of lemon with various pasta types, making them a delightful option for any meal. You’ll discover how easy it is to elevate simple ingredients into a dish that feels special.

Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a meal to impress guests, lemony pasta will satisfy your taste buds. With a variety of recipes available, you can choose the perfect combination of flavors, textures, and ingredients to suit your palate.

Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a delicious and easy meal you can make in just about 20 minutes. The bright flavors of lemon and garlic pair perfectly with tender shrimp, creating a tasty dish.

You’ll start by cooking shrimp in a mix of butter and olive oil. Adding minced garlic gives it a rich flavor. You can use fresh lemon juice for a zesty kick. Toss everything with your favorite pasta for a complete meal.

This dish is not just quick, but also bursting with flavors that everyone will love. It’s great for busy weeknights or when you want something special without a lot of fuss.

Ingredients

• 8 oz linguine or spaghetti
• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 3 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lemon, juiced and zested
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
2. In a skillet, melt butter and olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
4. Stir in shrimp, cooking until pink and opaque, about 5-6 minutes.
5. Add lemon juice, zest, salt, and pepper.
6. Toss in the cooked pasta and mix well.
7. Serve hot, garnished with parsley if desired.

2) Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta

Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta is a delicious dish that combines a rich lemon sauce with tender chicken and pasta. This recipe offers a refreshing twist that makes it perfect for any dinner.

To start, cook your pasta until it’s al dente. While it’s cooking, prepare the chicken and sauce. Sauté the chicken in a pan until it’s golden brown, then add cream and lemon juice. The sauce becomes creamy and tangy, creating the perfect pairing for your pasta.

For added flavor, consider including spinach or herbs like parsley. This adds color and enhances the overall taste of the dish. Top it with freshly grated cheese for extra creaminess.

Ingredients

• 8 oz (225 g) pasta
• 1 lb (450 g) chicken breast, diced
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
• 1 lemon, juiced and zested
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions.
2. In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
3. Add diced chicken and cook until browned.
4. Pour in heavy cream and lemon juice.
5. Simmer for 5 minutes until sauce thickens.
6. Toss in cooked pasta and mix well.
7. Season with salt, pepper, and lemon zest before serving.

3) Lemon Basil Spaghetti

Lemon Basil Spaghetti is a fresh and tasty dish that brightens up your meal. The combination of zesty lemon and fragrant basil works beautifully with pasta. It’s simple to make and perfect for any night.

Start by cooking your favorite spaghetti in boiling salted water until al dente. This usually takes about 8 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

In a pan, warm some olive oil and add minced garlic. Cook for about a minute, just until fragrant. Then, add the cooked spaghetti to the pan.

Next, squeeze in fresh lemon juice and toss in chopped basil. Mix well so that the pasta is coated with the flavors. For extra taste, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese over the top.

Serve it warm, and enjoy the bright flavors!

Ingredients

• 12 ounces spaghetti
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lemon (juiced)
• 1 cup fresh basil, chopped
• Salt, to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook spaghetti in boiling salted water until al dente (about 8 minutes).
2. Drain the spaghetti and set aside.
3. In a pan, heat olive oil and add minced garlic. Cook for 1 minute.
4. Add the cooked spaghetti to the pan.
5. Squeeze in lemon juice and add chopped basil. Toss to combine.
6. Serve with grated Parmesan cheese on top.

4) Lemon Ricotta Pasta

Lemon Ricotta Pasta is a fresh and creamy dish that you can whip up in no time. The combination of ricotta cheese and vibrant lemon zest creates a deliciously smooth sauce.

Start by cooking your pasta in salted water. While it’s cooking, prepare the ricotta mixture. In a bowl, whisk together ricotta, Parmesan, lemon zest, and a little olive oil.

Once the pasta is al dente, save some pasta water, then drain the rest. Mix the pasta with the ricotta sauce, adding a bit of the reserved water as needed to create a creamy consistency.

Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and extra lemon zest for a burst of flavor. Enjoy this simple yet delightful dish at your next meal!

Ingredients

• 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti or pasta of your choice
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente.
2. In a bowl, whisk ricotta, Parmesan, lemon zest, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
4. Return pasta to the pot and add the ricotta mixture.
5. Toss to coat, adding reserved pasta water as needed.
6. Serve with parsley and lemon zest on top.

5) Lemon Spinach Orzo

Lemon Spinach Orzo is a bright and tasty dish, perfect for a quick meal. It combines the tanginess of lemon with the goodness of spinach, making it light yet satisfying.

You can cook this dish in just one pan, which makes cleanup easy. Start by sautéing some garlic in olive oil. Then, add orzo pasta and toast it lightly.

Next, pour in chicken or vegetable broth to cook the orzo until it’s tender. Once it’s done, stir in fresh spinach and lemon zest for that vibrant flavor.

For a creamy touch, you can also mix in some parmesan cheese. This adds richness and makes every bite delightful.

Ingredients

• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1 lemon (zest and juice)
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
3. Stir in orzo pasta and toast for 2-3 minutes.
4. Pour in broth and cook until orzo is tender (about 9-10 minutes).
5. Off heat, add spinach, lemon zest, and parmesan cheese.
6. Mix well and season with salt and pepper to taste.

6) Lemon Parmesan Linguine

Lemon Parmesan Linguine is a simple and tasty dish that brings a bright flavor to your table. The combination of fresh lemon juice and Parmesan cheese creates a delicious, creamy sauce.

Start by cooking your linguine in boiling salted water. Once it’s tender, set aside some pasta water before draining. The starchy water helps thicken the sauce.

In a bowl, mix olive oil, squeezed lemon juice, and grated Parmesan. Add some reserved pasta water to this mixture to make it silky. Combine this sauce with the drained linguine, stirring well.

For added flavor, consider tossing in some freshly cracked black pepper. Serve this dish warm, garnished with more grated Parmesan and lemon zest for a zing.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces linguine
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 lemon (juiced and zested)
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook linguine according to package directions in boiling salted water.
2. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain the linguine.
3. In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, and Parmesan.
4. Mix in reserved pasta water to create a creamy sauce.
5. Combine the sauce with the linguine.
6. Garnish with lemon zest and additional Parmesan before serving.

7) Lemon Artichoke Penne

Lemon Artichoke Penne is a bright and flavorful dish that’s quick to make. You’ll love how the tangy lemon brightens the pasta while artichoke hearts add a unique flavor.

Start by cooking the penne pasta according to the package instructions. While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant. Then, stir in artichoke hearts and cook them until they are lightly browned.

Once the pasta is ready, combine it with the artichoke mixture in the skillet. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the pasta and mix in some lemon zest for extra flavor. You can sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and add a bit of parsley for garnish.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces penne pasta
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups artichoke hearts, drained
• Juice and zest of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: Parmesan cheese and parsley for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook penne pasta according to package instructions.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
3. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
4. Stir in artichoke hearts and cook until browned.
5. Combine pasta with the artichoke mixture.
6. Squeeze lemon juice and add zest; mix well.
7. Season with salt and pepper.
8. Garnish with Parmesan cheese and parsley, if desired.

8) Linguine with Lemon and Capers

Linguine with lemon and capers is a bright and flavorful dish that’s quick to make. You’ll love how simple ingredients come together for a tasty meal.

Start by cooking your linguine in salted boiling water until it’s al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes. Reserve a bit of the pasta water before draining.

For the sauce, heat olive oil in a pan. Add minced garlic and stir until fragrant, then pour in lemon juice. Toss in the capers for extra flavor.

Combine the cooked pasta with the sauce, using the reserved pasta water to achieve the right consistency. Top with fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Enjoy your easy and delicious dish!

Ingredients

• 16 oz linguine
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons capers
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Boil salted water and cook linguine for 8-10 minutes.
2. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain pasta.
3. In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
4. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
5. Stir in lemon juice and capers.
6. Combine pasta with the sauce, using reserved water as needed.
7. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.

9) Lemon Asparagus Fettuccine

Lemony Asparagus Fettuccine is a fresh and vibrant dish. You’ll love how the bright citrus and crisp asparagus come together. It’s a quick meal that’s perfect for a busy day.

Start by cooking whole wheat fettuccine noodles. While the pasta cooks, sauté fresh asparagus in a skillet until tender. You can add a sprinkle of olives for an extra flavor boost.

Once the pasta is ready, toss it with the asparagus. A squeeze of lemon juice will add that zesty kick. This dish is not only tasty but also packed with nutrients.

Ingredients

• 8 oz whole wheat fettuccine
• 1 bunch fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 cup olives, sliced
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the fettuccine in salted water according to package instructions until al dente.
2. In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add the asparagus and sauté until tender, about 3-5 minutes.
4. Drain the pasta and add it to the skillet.
5. Stir in the olives and lemon juice.
6. Season with salt and pepper, then serve warm.

10) Lemon Pesto Pasta

Lemon pesto pasta is a bright and zesty dish that combines fresh flavors with delicious pasta. It’s easy to prepare and can be a hit with family and friends.

To make this dish, you’ll need fresh basil, lemon juice, and nuts like pine nuts or walnuts. These ingredients create a flavorful pesto that pairs perfectly with your choice of pasta.

You can toss the cooked pasta with the light lemon pesto sauce for a refreshing meal. Adding some grated cheese on top enhances the taste even more.

Ingredients

• 12 ounces spaghetti or linguine
• 2 cups fresh basil, packed
• 1/4 cup pine nuts or walnuts
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Juice and zest of 1 large lemon
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• Salt, to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente.
2. In a food processor, combine the basil, nuts, garlic, lemon juice, and zest.
3. Process until smooth and slowly add olive oil.
4. Mix the pesto with the drained pasta.
5. Season with salt and enjoy!