Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound penne pasta
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley leaves, chopped (optional)
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large skillet or saucepan
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
2. While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add the heavy cream and lemon juice to the skillet and stir to combine. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce has slightly thickened.
4. Drain the cooked pasta and add it to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
5. Add the grated Pecorino Romano cheese to the skillet and toss again to combine. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley leaves if desired.
Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
5. Temperature:
N/A
Serving size:
4-6 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 550
Fat: 28g
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 18g
Sodium: 450mg
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Penne pasta can be substituted with any other short pasta shape.
- Pecorino Romano cheese can be substituted with Parmesan cheese or any other hard, salty cheese.
- Heavy cream can be substituted with half-and-half or milk.
- Freshly squeezed lemon juice can be substituted with bottled lemon juice.
Variations:
- Add cooked chicken or shrimp to the pasta for a protein boost.
- Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers for extra flavor.
- Use different herbs such as basil or thyme instead of parsley.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat.
Tips and tricks:
- Reserve some of the pasta cooking water to add to the sauce if it becomes too thick.
- Be sure to use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor.
- Grate the cheese finely for a smoother sauce.
- Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed before adding the pasta.
Storage instructions:
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat the pasta in a skillet or microwave until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the pasta in individual bowls or on a large platter for family-style dining.
Garnishes:
Chopped parsley leaves or lemon wedges.
Pairings:
Serve with a simple green salad and crusty bread.
Suggested side dishes:
Roasted vegetables or garlic bread.
Troubleshooting advice:
If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta cooking water to thin it out.
Food safety advice:
Be sure to cook the pasta and sauce to the proper temperature to avoid any foodborne illness.
Food history:
Penne al Limone e Cacio is a popular pasta dish from the Lazio region of Italy. It is a simple yet flavorful dish that combines the tanginess of lemon with the saltiness of Pecorino Romano cheese.
Flavor profiles:
Tangy, salty, creamy.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the pasta hot and garnished with fresh parsley leaves and lemon wedges.
Related Categories
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Region: Italian