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Lemon Garlic Scape Pasta

Lemon Garlic Scape Pasta

A vibrant and flavorful pasta dish featuring the unique taste of garlic scapes, bright lemon, and tender pasta. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a light lunch.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Dinner, Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian Inspired
Calories: 550

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 1 pound Spaghetti or Linguine
  • 20 cloves Garlic Scapes trimmed and roughly chopped
  • 1/4 cup Olive Oil extra virgin
  • 1/4 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes adjust to taste
  • 2 tablespoons Butter unsalted
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese freshly grated, plus more for serving
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley chopped, for garnish

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Cook the spaghetti according to package directions in well-salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve about 1.5 cups of the pasta water before draining.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped garlic scapes and red pepper flakes. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes, or until the scapes begin to soften and turn bright green.
  3. Add the butter to the skillet with the garlic scapes and let it melt. Continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes until the garlic scapes are tender but not browned.
  4. Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet with the garlic scapes. Toss to combine.
  5. Pour in about 1 cup of the reserved pasta water, the lemon zest, lemon juice, and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir vigorously to create a light sauce. Add more pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, if needed to reach your desired consistency.
  6. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Toss again to ensure everything is well combined.
  7. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and additional grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Notes

Garlic scapes can be found at farmers' markets or specialty grocery stores during spring. If unavailable, you can substitute with 6-8 cloves of finely minced garlic, added to the olive oil for the last minute of cooking time.
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