This lemon spaghetti is a quick, fresh, and flavour-packed pasta dish that’s perfect for busy nights. It’s light, creamy, and zesty — a delicious way to bring a taste of summer to your table any time of year.
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I had my first solo night in the house this week. It might not seem like a big deal to some but I am the world's biggest wimp. Let me just set the scene for you. When I was 12, I watched Scream (Google if you don't know what it is) and I was traumatised.
I mean, I wouldn't shower without someone standing at the door waiting for me and I bunked in with my sister for a few weeks because I was sure the masked bandit wouldn't get me if I wasn't in my room.
I cannot watch horror movies. They seriously traumatise me but now, whenever I'm alone at night I have visions of someone breaking in.
My visions don't really go beyond that, but just the thought of someone lurking makes my skin crawl. Funny how there's no chance of someone trying to break in when someone else is home.
So now you can probably see why the husband heading off to Sydney for work on Wednesday night and leaving me to my own devices was a big deal.
Instead of cooking up a feast for dinner, I defrosted some Moroccan meatloaf, ate on the couch and then after checking every door and window and cupboard in the house I went to bed and locked the bedroom door.
I even checked behind the curtains that's how silly I am. I contemplated moving the dresser in front of the door but it was too heavy. I kept telling myself that my husband was just out watching TV and hadn't come to bed yet which seemed to work and the next thing I was waking up to my alarm. I survived! Oh so brave I am.
Seeing as I was going to be having a pretty light solo dinner, I splurged on lunch. Lemon spaghetti isn't really a naughty lunch but for some reason I never think of pasta as a regular middle-of-the-day meal.
Freshness bursts from every mouthful of this dish. It takes practically no effort to make it and comes together in minutes. It's not the heartiest of meals but it would make a lovely starter or side dish to some grilled chicken. Hmm... brain is ticking for luncheon ideas.
It's just the sort of simple meal I love. I would have liked to toss through some toasted pine nuts for crunch but as hard as I looked I couldn't find them in my pantry. Note to self: clean pantry. Enjoy!
What about you? Are you a wimp when left alone or are you brave? Would you eat pasta for lunch?
Recipe
Lemon spaghetti
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoon grated lemon zest
- juice of 1 small lemon
- 2 tablespoon grated parmesan
- handful of Italian parsley chopped
- big pinch of salt
- sprinkle of freshly ground pepper
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- spaghetti for two
- extra parmesan and parsley to serve
Instructions
- Stir all the ingredients except the spaghetti together in a large bowl.
- Cook the spaghetti according to the instructions on the package.
- Transfer the cooked spaghetti to the bowl with everything else and a few spoonfuls of the pasta water.
- Toss to combine then serve sprinkled with grated parmesan and parsley.
Nutrition
The Café Sucre Farine says
You are so funny Claire! I'm mostly laughing because I used to be the same way. I've gotten a little better but I still leave all the lights on when Scott is gone, all night long! Your lemon spaghetti looks like just the treat you needed after a long scary night, in fact it looks like it could cure about anything that ails a soul. :)
Claire says
Oh we are funny things!
Barbara @ Barbara Bakes says
Love how simple and delicious this recipe is. I'm doing better at being alone, but I'm still a big wimp too.
Claire says
It seems there are a few of us wimps out there Barbara!
Danielle says
I am a bit like that, have to check every room, make sure the front door is double-locked, all windows shut. Good tactic to distract or kid yourself that hubby is just watching TV ;-)
Love your lemon spaghetti recipe and just seen your lemon orzo salad one too, so both are on the list for this week. Had been looking for the orzo for weeks, everyone had sold out, so pounced on a packet when I saw it in the supermarket the other day.
Claire says
Oh Danielle thank you for reminding me about that recipe. I love it!
corrie says
You cracked me up! :-) My husband works away in Melbourne on Monday through to Thursday every week and my 6' 4" tall 16 year old son, whose bedroom is up the other end of the house and up stairs, asks me if I 'need' company while dad is away and sleeps in the music room next to my bedroom during those nights. I wonder which one of us the one that still needs a big dad/hubby around to feel safe.
Claire says
Aww that's so cute! Haha maybe a bit of each?
The Life of Clare says
I have a solo night last night. I love it! But I didn't end up eating dinner at all, just a couple of slices of ciabatta with butter.
Claire says
I nearly had toast for dinner Clare! So lazy on my own.
Hotly Spiced says
My lunch is usually whatever is leftover in the fridge (that's is the uni students haven't cleaned me out). The is a great way to use up your lemons. Congrats on making it through the night! xx
Claire says
I can imagine they're tough to beat to the food! x
Maureen | Orgasmic Chef says
I like being alone. I do make sure the doors and windows are locked.
Fear can be debilitating for some - I'm glad you were only weird. :)
I love your lemon pasta and I'd have that for lunch or dinner!
Claire says
Haha yep just weird!
Maty says
Pasta for lunch? Always...but Thats just because I take leftovers to work the next day :-)
As for being a wimp...yeah I am, but I have to pretend I'm not for my wife :p
Claire says
Ahh yes if we have pasta for dinner and there are leftovers then they most often make their way to my lunch plate. Haha well at least you can pretend. I'm not even good at that!