Lemon Butter Pasta Sauce (Pasta al Limone) is a silky lemon cream sauce bursting with fresh flavors and rich parmigiano cheese to coat the pasta perfectly. This recipe is indulgent and made without cream! A simple pasta recipe that reminds me of the Amalfi Coast. Ready in 20 minutes!
More savory recipes highlighting lemon Easy Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Asparagus, BEST Salmon Piccata (Lemon Butter Caper Sauce), Shrimp Scampi Recipe, Roasted Green Beans Recipe with Garlic and Lemon.
What is Lemon Butter Pasta Sauce (Pasta al Limone)
Pasta al Limone is a simple pasta dish usually made with a long pasta shape (spaghetti, linguine, or bucatini), lemon (zest and juice), butter or olive oil, parmigiano (parmesan cheese), salt, and black pepper.
This is one of my favorite pasta dishes! With only a handful of ingredients, you can make the best sauce and serve it for a special occasion or a busy weeknight. It is a great sauce to make often.
More easy pasta recipes Authentic Italian Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe Creamy, Spinach and Lemon Orzo, and Easy Brown Butter Pasta Recipe.
Pasta Al Limone Without Cream
This recipe is made WITHOUT heavy cream. The secret in this recipe, similar to Authentic Italian Pasta Carbonara (no cream), is reserved starchy pasta water and quality parmigiano cheese mixed with lemon juice to thicken the lemon sauce.
I find that heavy cream with the lemon drowns out the beautiful brightness and essence of the pure lemon flavor in the lemon sauce. I've had this famous Italian pasta dish with and without heavy cream, and I prefer it without! I am sure you will too.
You will also love these authentic and easy Italian pasta dishes: Authentic Italian Amatriciana Sauce, Authentic Pasta alla Puttanesca Recipe (Video), and Restaurant Style Italian Cacio e Pepe (Best Tips).
Jump to:
- What is Lemon Butter Pasta Sauce (Pasta al Limone)
- Pasta Al Limone Without Cream
- Simple Ingredients
- Pasta Al Limone Origins
- How to Make Lemon Butter Pasta Sauce (Pasta al Limone) Step-by-Step Photos
- Best Pasta for Lemon Butter Pasta Sauce Recipe
- Best Lemons for Lemon Pasta Recipe
- Use Quality Butter
- Variations
- Expert Tips
- FAQs
- How to Store Leftovers
- What to Serve with Lemon Butter Pasta Sauce (Pasta al Limone)
- Lemon Butter Pasta Sauce (Pasta al Limone)
Simple Ingredients
This lemon pasta dish uses a few quality ingredients. It is an easy pasta sauce made with minimal effort that the whole family will love! Add spaghetti al limone to your menu this week.
- Spaghetti or pasta of choice, read why Cheap vs. Expensive Pasta (Why Pasta Quality Matters!)
- Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
- Pecorino Romano Cheese
- Freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 2 lemons), divided
- Extra-virgin olive oil
- Good quality butter
- Grated lemon zest
- Salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Reserved pasta water
- Fresh basil or fresh parsley (optional), for serving
See the recipe card for quantities.
Pasta Al Limone Origins
Pasta al Limone originates in Campania, specifically the Sorrento peninsula and the Amalfi coast. Amalfi and Sorrento are famous for their lemons.
Although lemons are grown in all the south Italian regions (like Sardegna, where I am from), the lemons from the Campagna region are considered some of the best in the world.
Sorrento’s aromatic and sweet lemons are known the world over. They are large, with a medium-thick bumpy rind and pulp with a balanced sugar content that tastes almost sweet. These lemons made the world's first Limoncello.
This Pasta al Limone recipe is especially popular in southern Italy regions known for their great lemon crops. Enjoy this authentic lemon pasta recipe.
How to Make Lemon Butter Pasta Sauce (Pasta al Limone) Step-by-Step Photos
This easy lemon butter pasta sauce is simple to prepare with minimal effort. Enjoy!
In a small mixing bowl, whisk parmigiano, pecorino cheese, and 4 tablespoons of lemon juice to make a paste. Gradually add the oil while constantly whisking until smooth. Whisk in the lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add a generous salt (it should taste like the sea!).
Cook pasta, occasionally stirring, for 8 minutes or until al dente according to the package directions.
While the pasta is cooking, finish the sauce. In a large skillet on medium-high heat, melt the butter, and reduce the heat to low.
Drain pasta and reserve ½ cup of pasta water. Add pasta to the pan with lemon butter sauce on low heat. Toss to coat.
Add the cheese and lemon mixture to the pasta. Toss to coat and add pasta water to the spaghetti. Keep stirring. It will take a few minutes to thicken and create a silky sauce. Turn off the heat and serve hot.
Best Pasta for Lemon Butter Pasta Sauce Recipe
Traditionally, a long pasta shape is served with lemon butter pasta sauce (most popular lemon spaghetti). You can use your favorite pasta shape and change depending on your personal preference.
- Angel Hair
- Bucatini
- Spaghetti
- Fettucini
- Linguine
You can also make it with shorter pasta varieties such as:
- Campanelle
- Fusilli
- Gemelli
- Farfalle (bowtie pasta)
Read this article Cheap vs. Expensive Pasta (Why Pasta Quality Matters!) includes what pasta pairs with what pasta sauce.
Best Lemons for Lemon Pasta Recipe
Since lemons are the primary flavor for this lemon pasta recipe, it is essential to buy quality lemons for that vivid lemon flavor. When buying lemons, choose organic lemons that have not been treated with pesticides.
Look for those with rough, rather than smooth, skins, as they contain more of the essential oil that gives lemons their bright, fresh, and zesty aroma.
Use Quality Butter
Since butter is one of the main ingredients in this lemon butter pasta sauce, we want to make sure to use good-quality butter. I prefer European butter for its high-fat content and rich yellow color. Using quality ingredients makes a big difference in this simple pasta dish.
Variations
- Garlic. Add a clove of garlic to create a garlic lemon butter pasta sauce. Smash one garlic clove while heating the butter and create a rich lemon butter garlic pasta sauce.
- Spicy. Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick to this fresh lemon pasta recipe.
Expert Tips
- Cook Pasta Perfectly. Make sure to salt the water to flavor the pasta from the inside out. Only cook until al dente. Read: How Long to Boil Spaghetti Pasta Perfectly Every Time.
- Use Freshly Grated Parmigiano. It helps to grate the cheese finely, so it mixes well with the lemon juice and melts nicely into the sauce. I wrote an entire article on why using freshly grated cheese makes a difference.
- Reserve Pasta Water. Save a cup of the pasta water to make the sauce extra creamy without using cream. After the pasta is cooked, gently toss the sauce and pasta water in the warm pan and watch the magic unfold! This is an Italian secret.
FAQs
Yes, you can make pasta al limone without cream. This isn’t a cacio e pepe, but the pecorino romano and parmigiano cheese add a wonderful creaminess to the spaghetti al limone that you do not need cream. This pasta al limone is perfect the way it is. Follow the tips to get it silky smooth without heavy cream.
Pasta al Limone originates in Campania, specifically the Sorrento peninsula and the Amalfi coast. Amalfi and Sorrento are famous for their lemons. This simple butter and lemon pasta sauce highlight fresh lemon flavors beautifully and deliciously!
How to Store Leftovers
- Refrigerator Storage: Place leftovers in an airtight storage container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Warm pasta in a large skillet on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water as needed to thin the sauce. Toss the pasta often and brighten it with a squeeze of lemon juice. Serve with extra parmigiano.
What to Serve with Lemon Butter Pasta Sauce (Pasta al Limone)
Pasta al Limone may be served alone, as a primo piatto (first course), as a side dish with fish, or with a meat dish.
Here are a few more delicious recipes to try after making this pasta al limone:
Make sure to leave a ⭐️star rating on the recipe card and comment below if you make the recipe. I love to connect with you through my recipes.
I would love for you to tag me on Instagram @cucinabyelena so I can see your delicious Italian recipes. To get more ideas, follow me on Pinterest.
Print
Lemon Butter Pasta Sauce (Pasta al Limone)
Lemon Butter Pasta Sauce (Pasta al Limone) is a silky lemon sauce bursting with fresh flavors and rich parmigiano cheese to coat the pasta perfectly.
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 lb spaghetti or pasta of choice
- 1 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
- ½ cup grated Pecorino Romano Cheese
- 4 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 1 large lemon)
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 4 tablespoons good quality butter
- 2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 cup reserved pasta water
- Chopped fresh basil or fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk parmigiano, pecorino cheese, and 4 tablespoons of lemon juice to make a paste. Gradually add the oil while constantly whisking until smooth. Whisk in the lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add a generous salt (it should taste like the sea!).
- Cook pasta, occasionally stirring with your favorite pasta utensil, for 8 minutes or until al dente according to the package directions.
- While the pasta is cooking, finish the sauce. In a large skillet on medium-high heat, melt the butter, and reduce the heat to low.
- Drain pasta and reserve ½ cup of pasta water. Add pasta to the pan with butter sauce on low heat. Toss to coat. Add the cheese and lemon mixture to the pasta. Toss to coat and add pasta water to the spaghetti. Keep stirring. It will take a few minutes to thicken and create a silky sauce. Turn off the heat and serve hot.
- Toss in torn basil or chopped parsley if desired. Serve with additional Parmigiano on top. Enjoy!
Notes
Expert Tips
- Cook Pasta Perfectly. Make sure to salt the water to flavor the pasta from the inside out. Only cook until al dente. Read: How Long to Boil Spaghetti Pasta Perfectly Every Time.
- Use Freshly Grated Parmigiano. It helps to grate the cheese finely, so it mixes well with the lemon juice and melts nicely into the sauce. I wrote an entire article on why using freshly grated cheese makes a difference.
- Reserve Pasta Water. Save a cup of the pasta water to make the sauce extra creamy without using cream. After the pasta is cooked, gently toss the sauce and pasta water in the warm pan and watch the magic unfold! This is an Italian secret.
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Savory
- Method: Italian
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: lemon sauce, pasta al lemon, lemon butter pasta sauce, main meal, Italian recipe
Amanda says
So tasty and easy to make!
★★★★★
Angela says
This pasta dish is so easy and such a quick dish for the family! So bright and full of lemon flavor. Everyone raved about the taste!
★★★★★
Elena says
Yay! So happy it was a hit with everyone. It's a recipe to make often. Enjoy!
Camille says
Delicious! I should have grated the cheeses finer bc I couldn’t get them to completely blend into a smooth sauce but everyone still gobbled it up.
★★★★★
Elena says
Happy you loved it! Yes, the finer the grate, the better for the smooth sauce. Enjoy it again and again!
Stefanias.Journey says
This is an EASY DELICIOUS recipe!! I loved the lemon flavor. I can't have red sauce, so these alternates are life for me!! I used gluten free pasta and it was still delicious!
★★★★★
Elena says
Hi Stefania, I am happy you loved the easy lemon pasta. It is a light and delicious recipe to make often. You might also like the Asparagus, Ricotta, and Lemon pasta recipe. Enjoy!
jgdlr says
This recipe was very easy to prepare, and it uses ingredients that you, most likely, already have at home! It is absolutely delicious, and is rich and creamy despite not containing any cream at all. The only challenge is trying not to eat a ton of it! This is a keeper!!
★★★★★
Elena says
Yes! It is super easy to make too!
Katrina Smith says
Mmmm, made this for dinner tonight after I watched you make it on Studio 5. Just my kind of thing. I added garlic and red pepper flakes so my husband would like it more. 😉
★★★★★
Janna Shults says
So delicious and fresh tasting! I added some chicken I had sautéed in olive oil with lemon pepper and Italian seasoning and roasted broccoli and it made for a filling meal.
★★★★★
Elena says
Hi Janna, happy you loved it. Your additions sound yummy!
Cheryl says
Loved the fresh lemon flavor. Next time I will use the type of cheese the recipe calls for. I only had Parmesan cheese which I did graded myself. I don't think it was creamy enough for the results that the recipe called for. I also added shrimp.
★★★★
Elena says
Hi Cheryl, yes you will love the addition of pecorino cheese. Shrimp sounds yummy! Try the shrimp scampi recipe next. Enjoy!
Hilary says
This was everything I was hoping for in a lemon pasta dish. My husband can be picky with his pastas/. It this one won him over!
★★★★★
Elena says
Thrilled he loved it! It's light, bright, and easy to make.
Hillary says
I saw this recipe in my Instagram feed and knew I had to try it since I’d first tried pasta Al limone at a restaurant at our office holiday party and fell in love with it. I’m so happy to say it was exactly what I hoped for, the lemons come through perfectly and the pasta is so rich and yet so light and effortless without the cream. Thanks for this!
★★★★★
Elena says
Hi Hillary, you describe it perfectly! That is exactly how it should taste. So happy you loved it.
Angela says
My family loved this, so tasty and easy to make!
★★★★★
Elena says
Hi Angela, so happy you love the recipe as much as we do! Enjoy.
Natalie says
Fresh and flavorful without being too rich!
★★★★★
Elena says
Yes! Exactly how it is supposed to be. Happy you enjoyed the recipe.
Lee Briggs says
Made this today! Wow! Have question about directions... you say to toss pasta in the lemon butter mixture and then add and toss with the lemon cheese mixture... the melted butter doesn’t have lemon added to it, does it?
★★★★★
Elena says
No, the butter does not have lemon in it! That is a typo. Thanks! Enjoy the yummy recipe.
Michele Rein says
Super easy and delicious! My Italian exchange student loved it and asked to take the leftovers for lunch! Will definitely be making this again and again. Thanks!
★★★★★
Elena says
Thrilled, she loved it. It is an easy recipe to make often!
Kanita says
We really enjoyed this recipe 🍋❤️🍋
★★★★★
Elena says
Happy you loved the recipe. It is so easy and delicious. Enjoy 🙂
Elena says
So creamy and delicious without any heavy cream in the sauce! The way a fresh Italian pasta recipe should taste. Enjoy!
★★★★★