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–+ servings
Lemon pepper pasta on a plate along with a fork

Zesty & Easy Lemon Pepper Pasta

Hunting for a refreshing and satisfying dish? This easy lemon pepper pasta is the ultimate quick weeknight treat. It is ready in no time and all you need is a handful of pantry-friendly ingredients. So effortless!
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4

Equipment

Ingredients
  

For Boiling Pasta:

  • 2 cups Penne Pasta
  • Water
  • 1 tsp Oil
  • 1 tsp Salt

For Lemon Pepper Sauce

Instructions
 

  • Start by cooking your pasta according to the package instructions. Once it’s perfectly al dente, reserve a cup of pasta water before draining.
  • While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until fragrant.
  • Then, stir in the lemon zest and juice, followed by a generous amount of cracked black pepper. Let this cook together for a minute or two to combine the flavors.
  • Next, pour in the milk and bring the sauce to a simmer. If it’s too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
  • Once your pasta is drained, add it to the pan with the lemon pepper sauce. Pour in a bit of the reserved pasta water and toss everything together until the pasta is well-coated in that zesty, creamy sauce.
  • Sprinkle in the grated mozzarella cheese and toss again. Taste it and adjust the seasoning with a little extra salt or pepper if needed.
  • Your lemon pepper pasta is ready to enjoy! Plate it up, sprinkle a little extra mozzarella on top, and dig in.

Notes

  • Add Veggies: For some extra freshness, toss in some sautéed spinach, peas, or roasted broccoli. These greens will pair perfectly with the lemon black pepper pasta.
  • Protein Boost: Make it a more filling meal by adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or even crispy bacon. These will complement the zesty pasta sauce beautifully and transform it into a high-protein pasta.
  • Make it Creamy: For a creamier version of lemon black pepper pasta, stir in a splash of heavy cream or some ricotta cheese to the sauce for added richness.
 
How to store:
In the Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. While it will lose a little of its fresh zestiness, it will still taste amazing when reheated.
Freezer: Freezing this pasta isn’t ideal, as the texture of the pasta will change. It’s best enjoyed fresh!
Reheat: Throw the sauce into a skillet and simmer it for 5 minutes.
Meal Prep Tip: You can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you're ready to eat, simply cook your pasta and toss it with the sauce for a quick meal!
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!