Lemon Spaghetti with Toasted Walnuts

Whenever I’m in the mood for something light, refreshing, and satisfying, I turn to my favorite comfort food: Lemon Spaghetti with Toasted Walnuts. It’s a dish that evokes memories of sunny afternoons in my kitchen, surrounded by the vibrant aromas of fresh ingredients. The combination of zesty lemon and crunchy toasted walnuts creates a symphony of flavors that dances on your palate. Imagine twirling that perfectly cooked spaghetti around your fork, each bite bursting with the tanginess of lemon and the richness of buttery goodness. This dish is not just a meal; it’s a celebration of simple yet delightful ingredients that come together effortlessly.

Shopping List for Lemon Spaghetti with Toasted Walnuts

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role in creating the harmonious balance of flavors. The star players are the fresh lemons, which bring brightness, and the walnuts, adding a delightful crunch. Together, they create a dish that’s both satisfying and refreshing.

• 1 cup roughly chopped walnuts: Toasting these enhances their nuttiness, providing a wonderful crunch.
• 1 pound dried spaghetti: This is the base of our dish, soaking up all the delicious flavors.
• 3 tablespoons butter: Adds a rich, creamy texture to the sauce.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: Provides a healthy fat and depth of flavor.
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the other ingredients.
• Zest and juice from 2 small lemons: The key to that refreshing zing.

How to Cook Lemon Spaghetti with Toasted Walnuts

Cooking Lemon Spaghetti with Toasted Walnuts is quite straightforward and allows you to enjoy the process. The key is to time everything perfectly, so each component is ready at the same moment. Let’s dive into the steps!

1. Start by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. Add a generous amount of salt; it should taste like the sea! Once boiling, add your spaghetti and cook according to the package directions, usually around eight to ten minutes for al dente. As the pasta cooks, it will absorb the salt, which will enhance the flavor of the dish.
2. While the pasta cooks, heat a small sauté pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the walnuts. Toast them for about five minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are golden brown and fragrant. Be careful not to let them burn; you want that perfect nutty aroma!
3. Once the walnuts are ready, remove them from the heat and set them aside. This will allow them to cool slightly while you finish the pasta.
4. When the spaghetti is cooked to your liking, reserve about half a cup of the cooking water, then drain the pasta. This starchy water will help bind the sauce.
5. Return the drained spaghetti to the pot over low heat. Add in the butter, olive oil, and kosher salt. The heat will melt the butter and combine it with the olive oil to create a rich sauce.
6. Next, stir in the zest and juice from the lemons, along with the toasted walnuts. Toss everything together to coat the pasta evenly. The aroma of lemon will fill your kitchen!
7. If the sauce seems too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. You want it creamy but not runny.
8. Once everything is well combined and heated through, take the pot off the heat. Give it one last gentle toss to ensure every strand of spaghetti is coated.
9. Serve immediately in warm bowls, garnishing with a few more toasted walnuts and a sprinkle of lemon zest if desired. Enjoy your Lemon Spaghetti with Toasted Walnuts!

Recipe Notes about Lemon Spaghetti with Toasted Walnuts

This dish is not only delicious, but it also offers room for customization. Here are some tips that can help you perfect your cooking!

• Storage: Leftover Lemon Spaghetti with Toasted Walnuts can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
• Freezing: While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers. Just make sure to store them in a freezer-safe container, and consume within a month.
• Pairing: Serve with a light salad such as arugula with lemon vinaigrette for a complete meal.
• Variations: Feel free to add grilled vegetables or shrimp for a heartier dish.
• Serving suggestion: This dish is perfect for lunch or dinner and can be served warm or at room temperature.

Perfect Matches for Lemon Spaghetti with Toasted Walnuts

When it comes to serving Lemon Spaghetti with Toasted Walnuts, the possibilities are endless. Here are some wonderful pairings that will enhance your dining experience:

• Light Salads: Pair this dish with a mixed green salad topped with a lemon vinaigrette to complement the flavors.
• Grilled Chicken: For a more filling meal, consider serving with grilled chicken breast. The simplicity of the chicken allows the pasta to shine.
• Wine Pairing: Consider serving a chilled glass of sparkling water with lemon or a light white wine on the side.
• Seasonal Vegetables: Incorporate seasonal vegetables like asparagus or cherry tomatoes for a fresh touch.
• Perfect for gatherings: This dish is great for casual gatherings or intimate dinners, making it a versatile choice.

FAQ

Conclusion

Lemon Spaghetti with Toasted Walnuts is truly a delightful dish that combines bright flavors with comforting texture. It’s an easy recipe that’s sure to impress your family and friends, offering a taste of sunshine in every bite. I encourage you to try making this dish for your next meal; it’s a wonderful way to enjoy pasta in a fresh, new light!

Lemon Spaghetti with Toasted Walnuts

The ultimate comfort food, Lemon Spaghetti with Toasted Walnuts is an easy weeknight dinner that bursts with flavor. The creamy sauce, paired with the crunch of walnuts and the zest of lemon, creates a delightful dish you'll crave again and again. Make it tonight!

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner, Pasta

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 410

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 cup walnuts roughly chopped
• 1 pound spaghetti dried
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 lemons zest and juice from small

Equipment

• Skillet
• Chef's Knife
• Frying pan
• Wooden Spoon

Method

 

1. Cook pasta according to package directions.
2. Toast walnuts in a small sauté pan over medium high heat for 5 minutes until toasted and fragrant. Remove from heat.
3. Drain pasta and reserve about 1/2 cup of the cooking water.
4. Put pasta back into the pot and stir in butter, oil, salt, walnuts, lemon juice and zest. Toss to coat.
5. If needed, add in the reserved pasta water a little at a time to thin out sauce.

Notes

• Storage: Leftover Lemon Spaghetti with Toasted Walnuts can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
• Freezing: While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers. Just make sure to store them in a freezer-safe container, and consume within a month.
• Pairing: Serve with a light salad such as arugula with lemon vinaigrette for a complete meal.
• Variations: Feel free to add grilled vegetables or shrimp for a heartier dish.
• Serving suggestion: This dish is perfect for lunch or dinner and can be served warm or at room temperature.

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Meet Brooke Davis

I’m all about cozy, comforting food made with fresh, local ingredients. I develop most of our weeknight dinners and heartier main dishes. My specialty is taking a classic comfort food and giving it a bright, California twist. We all cook and test together, but I’m usually the one in charge of the main event and making sure every recipe is perfect.