Tagliatelle al Limone Recipe

Where better to take inspiration for this summer dish than the Amalfi Coast, one of Italy's most treasured sights, and proud home to one of the world's most coveted types of lemon. Limoni di Amalfi (Amalfi lemons) flourish in the sunkissed spring, where they are nurtured and adored by natives. The gorgeous Mediterranean climate renders deliciously perfumed lemons, that scent the coastal air. Known for its strong fragrance and flavour that is less acidic than other types of lemon, the behemoth Amalfi lemon grows on orchards that teeter on the edge of the stunning cliffs. The fruit is so sublime, indeed, that it can be consumed in its entirety, the pith and rind significantly less bitter than other varieties of the citrus. 

A staple of summer al fresco dining, pasta al limone blends the famed export with cream and butter, yielding a sumptuous yet bright pasta dish. We pair this luscious sauce with fresh ribbons of tagliatelle, the golden tangles capable of sopping up every drop of creamy, lemony goodness. We challenge you to find a dish more emblematic of summertime on the Sorrentine peninsula than our tagliatelle al limone.

Lemon tagliatelle recipe

Serves 3-4

Prep time: 60 mins

Cook time: 10 mins

Calories per serving: 458 kcal

Ingredients:

• Juice of 1 lemon
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 250ml heavy cream
• 75g unsalted butter 
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 400g fresh tagliatelle - for ingredients, see our recipe here.

Method

Prepare your ribbons of fresh tagliatelle using this simple recipe or by following the video below. 

1. Once your pasta is prepared, take a large pan and set it over medium heat. Add the unsalted butter, and gently heat until fully melted, and beginning to foam. Then, add the lemon juice and zest, and continue to cook until fragrant - allow enough time here for the zest to infuse, rendering a deliciously lemony butter.
2. Add the cream to the mixture and stir until well combined. Taste and season accordingly with salt and pepper.
3. Heat a pot of generously salted water until boiling, before adding your fresh tagliatelle. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until al dente. Once cooked, strain the pasta, ensuring to reserve a little bit of the starchy cooking water.
4. Add the pasta to the pan with the lemon sauce, and gently toss to combine. Add as much or as little pasta water as is needed to achieve a luscious sauce, that clings to every strand of the tagliatelle.
5. Once fully coated and glossy, plate your pasta, and garnish with a healthy dose of grated Italian hard cheese - buon appetito!

What better way to complete this homage to the Amalfi Coast, than with a delicious Malfy Gin spritz? Creamy tangles of citrusy pasta, plus fresh Malfy gin and fizz, equals instant (vicarious) transportation to the coastal haven!  For more ways to bring the Amalfi Coast to you, be sure to stop by our ‘Visit Amalfi’ page.

Lemon tagliatelle wine pairing recommendation

The bright and zesty flavours of lemon in the tagliatelle find harmony with the crisp and citrusy characteristics of Trento wine.

Trento sparkling wine's versatility allows it to pair well with a variety of dishes. Its crispness, lively acidity, and delicate fruit flavors make it an excellent choice to enhance the flavors of lemon tagliatelle. Whether the pasta is dressed with a light lemon-infused sauce or served with fresh herbs and grated cheese, Trento wine provides a complementary accompaniment.