Go Back

Lemon Garlic Scape Pasta

A vibrant and flavorful pasta dish featuring fresh garlic scapes, bright lemon, and a hint of Parmesan. Perfect for a quick and delicious weeknight meal.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Dinner, Main Course, Vegetarian
Cuisine: American, Italian Inspired
Calories: 0.45055

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 12 ounces pasta Spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine work well
  • 1 pound garlic scapes trimmed and finely chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 0.25 cup olive oil extra virgin
  • 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese grated, plus more for serving
  • 1 lemon zested and juiced
  • 0.25 cup pasta water reserved
  • red pepper flakes optional, to taste
  • salt to taste
  • black pepper freshly ground, to taste

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water before draining.
  2. While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped garlic scapes and minced garlic.
  3. Sauté the garlic scapes and garlic for about 5-7 minutes, until tender and fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
  4. Stir in the lemon zest and half of the lemon juice. Season with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
  5. Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the garlic scape mixture. Pour in about 1/4 cup of the reserved pasta water and toss well to combine.
  6. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and the remaining lemon juice. Add more pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, if needed to create a light sauce that coats the pasta.
  7. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve immediately, topped with additional Parmesan cheese and a grind of black pepper.

Notes

Garlic scapes are the flower stalks of garlic plants and offer a milder, fresher garlic flavor. For a non-vegetarian option, you can add cooked shrimp or chicken to the dish.
QR Code linking back to recipe