When weeknight dinners call for something simple and comforting, Lemon Spaghetti with Toasted Walnuts is the answer. This zesty, nutty twist on buttered noodles uses just a few pantry staples to transform a classic into something special. Plus, it’s ready in under 20 minutes and super delicious!
Table of Contents
Why I Love This Recipe
- Kid-Friendly: Lemon Spaghetti with Toasted Walnuts has the simple appeal of pasta and butter that kids adore, but with a boost of lemon and walnuts for extra protein, flavor, and Omega-3’s. It’s a great step forward for picky eaters, and my kids LOVE it.
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights. Looking for more kid-friendly 30 minute recipes? Try my Ramen Noodle Stir Fry, Lightened Up Spaghetti Carbonara and Turkey Sloppy Joes.
- Elevated Flavor: Toasted walnuts add a nutty crunch that pairs beautifully with the bright lemon zest and juice.
- Minimal Ingredients: With just six simple ingredients, this recipe is as budget-friendly as it is delicious.
The Ingredients
- Walnuts: Roughly chopped and toasted, they bring a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor.
- Spaghetti: Use your favorite brand of dried spaghetti for your base.
- Butter: Adds a rich, creamy texture to the sauce.
- Olive Oil: Balances out the butter and adds depth.
- Lemons: Both the zest and juice bring a burst of brightness to the dish. It take this recipe to the next level and makes your kitchen smell heavenly!
Variations and Substitutions
- Add Protein: Toss in some grilled lemon herb chicken, sautéed shrimp scampi, or even roasted crispy chickpeas.
- Swap the Nuts: Don’t have walnuts? Try toasted chopped almonds or pine nuts instead.
- Nut-Free: You can easily leave off the walnuts to make this recipe nut-free. Still wanting some crunch? Try toasted sunflower seeds or pepitas!
- Go Green: Stir in some fresh spinach or arugula for an added pop of color and nutrients.
How to Make Lemon Spaghetti with Toasted Walnuts
Step 1: Cook pasta according to package directions.
Step 2: Toast walnuts in a small sauté pan over medium high heat for 5 minutes until toasted and fragrant. Remove from heat.
Step 3: Drain pasta and reserve about 1/2 cup of the cooking water.
Step 4: Put pasta back into the pot and stir in butter, oil, salt, walnuts, lemon juice and zest. Toss to coat. If needed, add in the reserved pasta water a little at a time to thin out sauce.
Tips and Tricks
- Toast the Walnuts Carefully: Keep an eye on the walnuts while toasting. They can go from golden to burned quickly!
- Fresh Lemons are Key: Bottled lemon juice just doesn’t have the same zing as freshly squeezed.
- Make it a Meal: Pair this pasta with a simple green salad or some roasted veggies for a complete vegetarian dinner.
More Simple Pasta Recipes
Dress up your buttered noodles with just a few simple ingredients and serve your family this Lemon Spaghetti recipe instead! Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner idea or a dish to impress without breaking a sweat, this recipe has got you covered. I’d love to know what you think — leave a rating and comment below.
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Lemon Spaghetti with Toasted Walnuts
Ingredients
- 1 cup roughly chopped walnuts
- 1 pound dried spaghetti
- 3 tablespoon butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- zest and juice from 2 small lemons
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions.
- Toast walnuts in a small sauté pan over medium high heat for 5 minutes until toasted and fragrant. Remove from heat.
- Drain pasta and reserve about 1/2 cup of the cooking water.
- Put pasta back into the pot and stir in butter, oil, salt, walnuts, lemon juice and zest. Toss to coat.
- If needed, add in the reserved pasta water a little at a time to thin out sauce.
How much lemon juice? Is it juice and zest from 2 lemons? I think there is some text missing in the recipe
Agh! Sorry about that – not sure where that text went, but I’ve added it back. You’re correct though – zest and juice from two small lemons.
So light and refreshing. Will definitely be making again!
This is exactly the kind of food I want to eat on a weeknight. Simple but still delicious!
This sounds sooo yummy! I would add just a bit of cream cheese or parmesan too for that cheesy, creamy texture my son loves but otherwise wouldnt change it up. Sounds really easy and good too!
I make something similar but add asparagus and granny smith apples. It’s great warm or cold.
That should work just fine!
Do you think I could substitute sunflower seeds for the walnuts? Trying to make it nut free…
This is SO good !!! This morning I didnt know what to do for lunch, and then I saw this recipe and saved my day !! 🙂
My kids loved it, it is so easy and so delicious … !!
Saludos from México!
I would save this type of recipe until your child is older and is more skilled at chewing and eating to avoid the choking hazard!
Hi
How old for the walnuts? My LO is 19 months I’m just a little hesitant with the choking issue.
My mom used to serve plain pasta with butter and parmesan cheese when we were kids, but I’m loving your flavor boosted recipe. I’ll have to try it with my kids!