3/4 box of spaghetti coarse salt
juice & zest of 1 lemon
1 1/2 cups Parmesan cheese, finely grated (fresh is always best)
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 to 3/4 cup reserved pasta water
large handful fresh basil, roughly chopped
Boil the spaghetti in salted water according to package directions.
Meanwhile, grate the zest from the lemon into a large mixing bowl. Cut the lemon in half and squeeze the juice into the bowl (watch for seeds!). Add the Parmesan, pepper and a pinch of salt and stir. Add in the olive oil to form a wet paste.
When the pasta is cooked, be sure to reserve your water before draining. Add 1/4 cup of the water to the lemon/cheese mixture; stir to combine. Add the spaghetti to the bowl and toss thoroughly. Add water in 2 tablespoon increments as necessary until you reach your desired consistency. Sprinkle with fresh basil, a bit of salt and heck, some more cheese, and voila, easy peasy weeknight meal!
recipe adapted from~www.cheaterbites.com
