Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter or olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced or pressed
- Zest of one lemon
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp dried oregano
- Pinch chili flakes (optional)
Pasta and Liquid
- 400-450g dried pasta noodles (rigatoni or mezzie rigatoni)
- 4 1/2 cups vegetable broth (or water, see notes below)
Finishing Ingredients
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 cup shredded parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp butter
- Garnish: more shredded parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and fresh basil
Instructions
- Heat Oil and Cook Garlic: In a large pot or pan with high sides, add 2 tbsp olive oil and warm it over medium heat. Once heated, add the minced garlic and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add Seasonings: Stir in the lemon zest, salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes if using. Mix well to combine the aromatic flavors.
- Add Pasta and Broth: Add the dried pasta noodles to the pot and pour in 4 cups of vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-high heat.
- Simmer Pasta: Once simmering, reduce the heat to medium-low and keep the pot mostly covered with a lid. Cook for 12-14 minutes, stirring every 2 minutes to prevent sticking. Check the pasta for doneness starting at the recommended time on the package, adding 1/2 cup more broth as needed and cooking longer until the pasta is tender.
- Finish the Sauce: When the noodles are cooked and most of the liquid has absorbed, stir in the lemon juice, shredded parmesan cheese, and 1 tbsp butter. Mix until you achieve a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste the pasta and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or chili flakes if desired. Garnish with extra shredded parmesan, lemon zest, and fresh basil before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute vegetable broth with water if preferred, but broth adds extra flavor.
- Stir frequently during cooking to prevent pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Cooking times may vary based on pasta brand and shape; start checking early to avoid overcooking.
- For a richer taste, use unsalted butter instead of olive oil at the start and at the end.
- Add fresh basil as a garnish or even chopped into the pasta for extra freshness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American-Inspired
