15-Minute Lemon Parmesan Pasta Sauce

Ingredients

• 12 oz (340 g) linguine or spaghetti
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 3/4 cup (75 g) finely grated parmesan
• 3/4 cup (180 ml) reserved pasta water, as needed
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Salt, to taste
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley, optional

Instructions

1. 1

   Cook the pasta in well-salted water until al dente. Reserve at least 3/4 cup pasta water before draining.

2. 2

   Melt the butter in a wide skillet over low heat. Stir in the lemon zest and black pepper for about 30 seconds.

3. 3

   Add the drained pasta and 1/3 cup pasta water. Toss over low heat until the pasta looks glossy.

4. 4

   Remove the skillet from the heat. Add the parmesan a little at a time while tossing, using more pasta water as needed.

5. 5

   Stir in the lemon juice, taste for salt and serve with parsley if using.