Hey y'all! If you're craving a dinner that's bright, creamy, and just a little bit fancy, this Lemon Parmesan Pasta with Crispy Breadcrumbs is here to save the day. From the luscious, cheesy sauce to the golden, crunchy topping, every bite is a burst of fresh flavor and satisfying texture. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or you’re hosting friends, this dish is always a crowd-pleaser. Let’s get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Lemon Parmesan Pasta with Crispy Breadcrumbs
- Quick & Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy schedules.
- Fresh & Flavorful: Zesty lemon and nutty Parmesan elevate simple pantry staples.
- Crispy Texture: Toasted breadcrumbs add an irresistible crunchy finish.
- Customizable: Easily adapt with protein additions or seasonal veggies.
- Impressive Yet Simple: Tastes restaurant-quality but is totally doable at home!
Ingredients for Lemon Parmesan Pasta with Crispy Breadcrumbs
- 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti or linguine
- 3 tablespoon olive oil, divided
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Zest and juice of 1 large lemon
- ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream
- ½ cup (50 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes
Directions: How to Make Lemon Parmesan Pasta with Crispy Breadcrumbs
Step 1: Toast the Crispy Breadcrumbs
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add 2 tablespoons olive oil.
- Add panko breadcrumbs and cook, stirring frequently, until golden brown and crispy (about 3-4 minutes). Season with a pinch of salt. Remove breadcrumbs and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
Step 3: Prepare the Lemon Parmesan Sauce
- In the same skillet, add remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and minced garlic. Cook for 1 minute, until fragrant but not browned.
- Add lemon zest, lemon juice, and heavy cream. Stir and let simmer for 2 minutes.
- Reduce heat to low, add Parmesan cheese, and stir until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
Step 4: Toss Everything Together
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time as needed to create a silky sauce.
- Stir in fresh parsley.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
- Transfer pasta to serving bowls. Sprinkle generously with crispy breadcrumbs and extra Parmesan.
- Serve immediately, garnished with more parsley and a squeeze of fresh lemon if desired.
Notes for Lemon Parmesan Pasta with Crispy Breadcrumbs
- For extra flavor, try toasting the breadcrumbs with a dash of garlic powder or Italian herbs. Learn more about toasting breadcrumbs for pasta.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the creamiest, smoothest sauce – pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents.
- If your sauce seems too thick, don’t hesitate to add a bit more reserved pasta water until it’s luxuriously silky.
Variations on Lemon Parmesan Pasta with Crispy Breadcrumbs
- Lemon Parmesan Chicken Pasta: Add grilled or sautéed chicken breast for extra protein.
- Lemon Spinach Pasta: Stir in a few big handfuls of baby spinach until wilted for a veggie boost.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs to make this dish suitable for all diets.
Required Equipment for Lemon Parmesan Pasta with Crispy Breadcrumbs
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large skillet for sauce and breadcrumbs
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Fine grater or microplane for lemon zest and Parmesan
Storage Instructions for Lemon Parmesan Pasta with Crispy Breadcrumbs
Store leftover pasta (without breadcrumbs) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store crispy breadcrumbs separately in a sealed jar at room temperature for up to 5 days. Reheat pasta gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or cream, then add breadcrumbs just before serving.
Serving Recommendations for Lemon Parmesan Pasta with Crispy Breadcrumbs
- Pair with a simple arugula salad tossed in olive oil and lemon juice.
- Enjoy with crusty bread and a glass of white wine, like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.
- Serve as a side dish alongside grilled fish or roast chicken for a complete meal.
Pro Tips for the Best Lemon Parmesan Pasta with Crispy Breadcrumbs
- Reserve pasta water – it’s the secret to a silky, restaurant-style sauce. Check out why pasta water is magic.
- Use a microplane for the lightest, fluffiest Parmesan and most aromatic lemon zest.
- Toss pasta and sauce together off the heat to prevent the cheese from clumping.
Frequently Asked Questions: Lemon Parmesan Pasta with Crispy Breadcrumbs
- Can I use another type of pasta?
- Absolutely! This recipe works well with fettuccine, penne, or even short pastas like rigatoni.
- What can I use instead of heavy cream?
- You can substitute half-and-half or even whole milk, though the sauce will be a bit lighter.
- How do I make this recipe vegetarian?
- Just ensure your Parmesan is vegetarian-friendly, as some brands use animal rennet. Learn more about vegetarian Parmesan options.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti or linguine
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 1 cup fresh breadcrumbs
- 3 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
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1Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain the pasta.
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2While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the breadcrumbs and cook, stirring often, until golden and crispy, about 3-4 minutes. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.
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3In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil and butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the lemon zest and juice.
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4Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat. Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese and a splash of reserved pasta water, tossing until creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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5Divide the pasta among plates. Top with crispy breadcrumbs and chopped parsley, if using. Serve immediately.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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