There’s nothing better than a bowl of pasta to satisfy a craving. Whether topped with rich ketchup, bacon or topped with cream cheese, pasta is the ultimate comfort food. As we head into the sunny season, our pasta dinners deserve the spring makeover we give ourselves, our home and our habits. Enter: must-try lemon pasta recipes.
So how do we give a little life to something that could be on the heavier side? The answer is simple: just add lemon. Adding a squeeze of citrus juice or zest to your pasta is a simple solution to all your delicious but real problems. Noted for the vibrant flavor, read on for 15 must-try lemon pasta recipes to bring to your lunch, dinner, or spring soireés.
Add these 15 lemon-lime pasta recipes to your Spring-eatin’ rotation
Rigatoni with Brussels Sprouts & Kale Pesto
Why we love it: We’re pretty confident this recipe will win a spot on your weekly list. Its that good. With brussels sprouts, pesto kale and toasted walnuts, it has something for everyone.
Hero composition: A lot of garlic will put this on top. And of course, some finely ground parm and basil, too.
Get the recipe for Rigatoni With Brussels Sprouts & Kale Pesto.
Fresh pasta with lemon, rosemary & pine nuts from love and lemon
Why we love it: Jeanine and Jack from Love and Lemons keep things fresh with “lots of love and a squeeze of lemon to finish,” which is certainly reflected in this recipe. It includes pasta (obviously), baby kale, pine nuts, fresh rosemary and a large squeeze of lemon.
Hero composition: That fresh rosemary offers a really pleasant herbal flavor.
Get the recipe for Fresh Pasta With Lemon, Rosemary & Pine Nuts.
Summer Vegetarian Pasta Salad with Feta & Lemon-Tahini sốt
Why we love it: If you’re craving lots of veggies and lots of flavor, look no further. This summer veggie pasta is the perfect light lunch or dinner to take out on the patio with you. Add a crisp white glass and a cool breeze to the mix and you’ve got the perfect recipe.
Hero composition: Salty Feta brings delicious flavor to every bite.
Get the recipe for the Summer Vegetarian Pasta Salad with Feta & Lemon-Tahini Sauce.
Lemony Pasta Carbonara with Peas & Zucchini.
Why we love it: Get your daily dose of greens with this lemon carbonara. Frozen zucchini and peas combine with Pecorino Romano and a light cream sauce to make a delicious noodle dish that’s easy enough for any night of the week.
Hero composition: Fresh mint adds a sharp, unexpected, yet highly appreciated herby flavor.
Get the recipe for Lemony Pasta Carbonara with Peas & Zucchini.
Baked Lemon Artichokes and Butter Pasta from Half Baked
Why we love it: Tieghan describes this noodle dish as the best cure for blues Mondays and we couldn’t agree more. It’s packed with nutty flavor, yet light enough to enjoy without feeling saturated. You don’t want to miss this, trust me.
Hero composition: It doesn’t get much better than that creamy burrata. I ate it with my eyes.
Get the recipe for Baked Lemon Artichokes and Avocado Pasta.
Linguine With Lemon & Tomatoes from Love & Lemons
Why we love it: This one is so fresh and uses ingredients that you probably have in your pantry right now! It keeps things simple with grilled tomatoes, lemon, arugula, mozzarella, and herbs. Add a dash of toasted pine nuts for a buttery taste in every delicious fork.
Hero composition: I am a firm believer that there are few things better than a freshly ripe tomato.
Get the recipe for Linguine With Lemon & Tomatoes.
Herby Spring Pasta Salad With Lemon Vinaigrette from With Food and Love
Why we love it: Rotini pasta combines with spring vegetables and the perfect combination of acids in this delicious dish. You can mix up this pasta salad in no time and get your daily vegetable side dish in the meantime. Honestly, what more could we ask for?
Hero composition: Peas always have and will be delicious. Especially in this starry combination of spring greens. Hello friends, asparagus, celery, green onions and dill! Nice to eat you.
Get the recipe for Herby Spring Pasta Salad With Lemon Vinaigrette.
Spaghetti with Mascarpone, Meyer Lemon, Spinach and Hazelnuts from The Kitchn
Why we love it: Creamy mascarpone and Meyer limes combine to form a lighter-than-usual white sauce that mimics all the silky sauces you get from more traditional cream mixes. The lower acidity and sweeter flavor of Meyer lemons really go well in this rich yet fresh pasta dish.
Hero composition: I don’t want to go with anything but avocado toasted hazelnuts. I mean, absolute perfection.
Get the recipe for Spaghetti With Mascarpone, Meyer Lemon, Spinach and Hazelnuts.
Lemon Kale Pesto Pasta from What’s Gaby Cooking
Why we love it: Whoever said that noodle shells can’t be elegant obviously hasn’t tried once of this masterpiece. Not only does it work great, but this rich, dark green pasta is simple enough for busy evenings and weekday lunches. The work week, made simple.
Hero composition: I love anything with ricotta cheese. Especially when it’s covered in lemon zest and red pepper.
Get the recipe for Lemon Kale Pesto Pasta.
A Pot of Lemons, Asparagus and Sausage Pasta from Half Baked Harvest
Why we love it: One-pot pasta is another late-night solution that doesn’t get enough praise. Dinner with minimal dishes? Sign me up. This week’s hero of the night comes in the form of short-cut pasta surrounded by spicy Italian chicken sausage, asparagus, green olives, garlic and lemon.
Hero composition: Those green olives bring a sweet and savory taste to every bite that keeps things fresh and interesting.
Get the recipe for One-Pot Lemon Basil, Asparagus and Sausage Pasta.
Spaghetti With Broccolini, Preserved Lemon and Chickpeas From Home Meal
Why we love it: I’ve never come across a broccolini that I didn’t like, and this one was no exception. It’s combined with chickpeas, garlic, and preserved lime to create a truly satisfying noodle dish that’s fresh enough for any time of year.
Hero composition: Sumac takes home that lemon flavor, but can be skipped if you don’t have one on hand—though I recommend finding some. You will not regret it!
Get the recipe for Pasta with Broccolini, Preserved Lemon and Chickpeas.
Mediterranean pasta with herb-lime olive oil from a crowded kitchen
Why we love it: The Mediterranean diet is always delicious (and healthy!), and this noodle dish perfectly reflects that. It has all the classics, including sun-dried tomatoes, artichokes, kalamata olives, cherry tomatoes, etc. Plus, it incorporates some unexpected veggies like broccoli and mushrooms, which are always whipped. expensive.
Hero composition: Herbed Lemon Olive Oil Sauce brings all the rich, personality to the party.
Get the recipe for Mediterranean Spaghetti With Lemon Olive Oil.
Goat Cheese Pasta, Spinach and Goat Cheese of the Week from Fork Knife Swoon
Why we love it: Goat cheese has always been my favorite, whether it’s in the form of pizza or a salad. But in this case of lemon pasta with kale, I’ve never come across a medium for goat cheese that I love more than that.
Hero composition: The addition of parm helps this noodle dish not be soggy too moral.
Get the recipe for Goat Cheese Pasta, Spinach and Goat Cheese of the Week from Fork Knife Swoon.
Creamy vegan pasta with tomato and basil
Why we love it: Let me introduce you to your new favorite late night recipes. This pasta sauce is so creamy and delicious that you never knew it was better for you (and vegans!). Toss it on top of slushy bucatini noodles and sprinkle with some lemon zest. Bonus: you will have leftovers for the week!
Hero composition: The walnut cream sauce can’t be beat.
Get the recipe for Vegan Pasta with Tomatoes and Basil.
Spaghetti Aglio e Olio from Love and Lemons
Why we love it: 20 minutes and a few ingredients are all it takes to mix up this simple spaghetti dish. Add a serving of greens to the mix and you’re checking all sorts of boxes.
Hero composition: Lemon peel and juice packed zing.
Get the recipe for Spaghetti Aglio e Olio.
What’s your favorite lemon pasta recipe? Share the link in the comments!
