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Creamy Lemon Beef Pasta

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This Creamy Lemon Beef Pasta is a delightful blend of bright citrus and rich cream that elevates any meal. It’s a perfect comfort food that brings people together, sparking conversations and creating memories around the table.

Ingredients

  • Reserved pasta cooking water – 1 cup
  • Spaghetti or linguine – 400 grams
  • Fresh lemons – 2 large
  • Parmigiano Reggiano cheese (finely grated) – 1 cup
  • Extra virgin olive oil – 3 tablespoons
  • Black pepper (freshly ground) – 1 teaspoon
  • Salt – to taste

Instructions

  1. Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. This should take about 10 minutes. The water should taste like the sea, which helps flavor the pasta.
  2. Once boiling, add 400 grams of spaghetti or linguine. Cook according to package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes, until al dente. You want the pasta to be firm to the bite, not mushy.
  3. While the pasta is cooking, zest and juice the two large lemons. You’ll need about 1/2 cup of lemon juice. Set aside. The zest adds an aromatic quality that enhances the dish.
  4. Once the pasta is done, reserve 1 cup of the cooking water and then drain the pasta. Be careful not to rinse the pasta, as you want the starch to help the sauce adhere.
  5. In a large skillet over medium heat, add 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil. After about a minute, add the reserved pasta cooking water. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer.
  6. Gradually add the finely grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese to the skillet, stirring constantly until it melts and forms a creamy sauce. This should take about 2-3 minutes. Avoid adding the cheese too quickly, as it can clump if the mixture is too hot.
  7. Add the reserved lemon juice and zest to the sauce, mixing thoroughly. The sauce should be glossy and slightly thickened at this point. Taste and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  8. Finally, add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together to coat the spaghetti or linguine in the creamy lemon sauce. This should take about 1-2 minutes. Ensure that each strand of pasta is well-coated.
  9. Serve immediately, garnishing with additional cheese and a sprinkle of black pepper if desired. The dish is best enjoyed fresh, as the flavors are most vibrant.

Nutrition

Keywords: Always opt for fresh lemons and high-quality Parmigiano Reggiano for the best flavor. Reserve more than just a cup of pasta cooking water to adjust the sauce’s consistency as needed.

Find it online: https://softtasty.com/creamy-lemon-beef-pasta/