Penne al Limone

Penne al Limone is a refreshing and light Italian pasta dish that combines the zesty flavors of lemon with the richness of olive oil and Parmesan cheese. This healthy version is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, bursting with citrus notes and a hint of garlic.

Ingredients

• Penne pasta - 160 grams
• Extra virgin olive oil - 2 tablespoons
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Lemon - 1 medium, zested and juiced
• Parmesan cheese - 30 grams, grated
• Fresh parsley - 2 tablespoons, chopped
• Salt - to taste
• Black pepper - to taste
• Red pepper flakes - optional, for heat

Steps

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
2. While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
3. Add the lemon zest and juice to the skillet, stirring to combine, and cook for another minute.
4. Once the pasta is done, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and add it to the skillet with the lemon sauce.
5. Toss the pasta in the sauce, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
6. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, and season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
7. Remove from heat and fold in the chopped parsley before serving.

Nutrition

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 15 g
• Carbs: 65 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Cholesterol: 10 mg
• Total Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in vitamin C from lemons, which supports the immune system.
• Contains healthy fats from olive oil that can promote heart health.

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