Pasta Al Limone

A combination of lemon zest and juice gives this dish a beautiful citrus flavor contrasting the classic buttery pasta. The thinly sliced zest adds a bright contrast to the rich sauce.   

Ingredients

  • Meyer lemons  ·  2 
  • Linguini  ·  12 ounces 
  • Kosher salt  ·   
  • Heavy cream  ·  3/4 cup 
  • 6 Tbsp. unsalted butter  ·   
  • Finely grated Fresh Parmesan cheese  ·  3/4 cup 
  • Herbie's Aleppo Pepper to Garnish  ·   

Instructions

Using a vegetable peeler, remove the peel of one of the Meyer lemons into 2"-long strips of lemon zest. Thinly slice each strip lengthwise into thin strands; set aside for serving. Using a microplane, finely grate the zest of the remaining lemon into a large heavy bottomed pot. Cut lemon in half and squeeze out enough juice to yield 2 Tbsp. into a small bowl; set aside.

Cook pasta in another large pot of boiling heavily salted water, stirring occasionally, until very al dente (pasta will finish cooking in the sauce).

Meanwhile, add cream to pot with lemon zest and cook over medium heat, whisking often, until liquid is just beginning to simmer, about 2 minutes. Reduce heat to medium-low. Whisk in butter 1 Tbsp. at a time until melted and sauce is creamy and emulsified. Remove from heat.

Pasta

Just before pasta is al dente, scoop out 1½ cups pasta cooking liquid. Add ¾ cup pasta cooking liquid to cream sauce and return to medium heat. Using tongs, transfer spaghetti to pot with sauce (it’s okay if a little water comes along with it). Cook, tossing often and adding Parmesan little by little, until cheese is melted and sauce is creamy, about 3 minutes. If sauce looks tight, add 1–2 Tbsp. pasta cooking liquid. (Cream sauces tighten up very quickly as they cool, so it’s better to lean on the saucier side of things.) Stir in reserved lemon juice; season with more salt, if needed.

Divide pasta among bowls. Then top with reserved lemon zest strips and Herbie's Aleppo Pepper.

Chantilly Chardonnay

Chantilly Chardonnay

Chantilly is an attractive Chablis-style wine, pale gold, with floral aromas of white peach, lemon and butterscotch.

Aleppo Chili Pepper

Aleppo Chili Pepper

Aleppo Pepper is a highly desirable variety of chili, popular for its warm, fruity flavor and mild chili bite.