Trader Joe's Lemon Pasta Recipe

This Trader Joe’s style Lemon Pasta is a creamy and easy recipe, which is made with fresh lemon and Parmesan cheese. It’s the perfect 20-minute meal, a quick and elegant weeknight dinner.

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Trader Joe’s Lemon Pasta Ingredients

A simple list for a bright, vibrant, and surprisingly rich pasta dish.

8 ounces spaghetti or other long pasta
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, sliced into pats
2 tablespoons lemon zest (from about 2 lemons), plus more for garnish
2 garlic cloves, minced
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, plus more to taste
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
Chopped fresh parsley or basil leaves, for garnish

How To Make Trader Joe’s Lemon Pasta

A step-by-step guide to this incredibly fast and delicious one-pan sauce.

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Just before draining, reserve at least 1 cup of the starchy pasta cooking water.
Make the Lemon Butter Sauce: A few minutes before the pasta is done, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat until it foams. Reduce the heat to low, then add the lemon zest and minced garlic. Cook, stirring constantly, for 1 to 2 minutes until very fragrant.
Combine and Emulsify: Use tongs to transfer the hot pasta directly from the pot to the skillet with the butter sauce. Add ½ cup of the reserved pasta water. Cook over low heat, tossing constantly, until a creamy sauce begins to form and lightly coats the pasta.
Finish with Cheese and Serve: Add half the Parmesan cheese and toss to incorporate. Stir in the fresh lemon juice and the remaining cheese and toss again until the sauce is smooth and creamy. If it seems too thick, add more pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, to loosen it. Season to taste with salt, pepper, and more lemon juice if desired. Garnish with more lemon zest and fresh parsley before serving.

Trader Joe's Lemon Pasta Recipe — Trader Joe’s Lemon Pasta Recipe

Recipe Tips

For the most luxurious, perfectly creamy lemon pasta.

How to get the creamiest sauce? The secret ingredient is the starchy pasta water! Do not throw it away. The starch in the water helps the butter, oil, and cheese emulsify into a smooth, glossy sauce that clings to the pasta without any heavy cream.
Why use fresh lemon juice and zest? For a dish this simple, the quality of ingredients is key. Freshly zested lemon provides the bright, aromatic oils that are the heart of the dish’s flavor. Bottled juice will not give you the same vibrant taste.
Can I add protein or vegetables? Yes! This is a perfect base. It’s delicious with the addition of grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or steamed asparagus or peas stirred in at the end.
How to avoid a broken sauce? Keep the heat on low when you add the pasta and cheese to the pan. High heat can cause the cheese to clump or the butter to separate. Gentle heat and constant tossing is the key to a smooth, emulsified sauce.

What To Serve With Lemon Pasta

Simple sides to complete this light and fresh meal.

This bright and satisfying pasta is a wonderful meal on its own, but it also pairs well with:

A simple arugula salad with a light vinaigrette
A side of roasted or steamed asparagus or broccoli
A piece of crusty bread for mopping up the sauce
A glass of a crisp, chilled white wine, like a Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc

How To Store Lemon Pasta

This dish is best enjoyed immediately.

Best Eaten Fresh: This pasta dish is at its absolute best when served hot and fresh from the skillet, when the sauce is at its creamiest.
Reheat: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, place the pasta in a skillet over low heat with a generous splash of water, milk, or cream. Stir gently until it’s warmed through and the sauce becomes creamy again.

Trader Joe’s Lemon Pasta Nutrition Facts

An estimated guide per serving.

Calories: 550 kcal
Carbohydrates: 65 g
Protein: 18 g
Fat: 25 g

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Can I make this dairy-free or vegan?

Yes. To make it vegan, use a high-quality vegan butter and a good vegan Parmesan cheese alternative. The method will remain the same.

What if I don’t have a skillet large enough to toss the pasta?

No problem. You can make the sauce in the skillet. After you drain your pasta (reserving the water!), return the pasta to the large, empty pot. Pour the butter sauce over the pasta in the pot, add the pasta water and cheese, and toss everything together off the heat.

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Yes. While long pasta shapes like spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine are classic for this type of simple sauce, a short pasta with ridges, like rigatoni or fusilli, would also be delicious at catching the creamy lemon sauce.

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