Creamy Tomato Spaghetti With Preserved Lemon
This Creamy Tomato Spaghetti with Preserved Lemon is a delightful twist on a classic pasta dish, combining the richness of creamy tomatoes with the bright and zesty flavor of preserved lemon. It's perfect for a cozy dinner or a quick weeknight meal.
Equipment
- 1 large pot for boiling pasta
- 1 large skillet
- 1 measuring cups
- 1 measuring spoons
- 1 grater or zester
- 1 cutting board
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons preserved lemon, peel only, finely chopped
- to taste dash salt
- to taste dash black pepper
- for garnish fresh basil leaves
- for serving grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant.
- Add the crushed tomatoes to the skillet, stirring to combine. Allow the mixture to simmer for 5 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the heavy cream and preserved lemon. Mix until well combined, and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet and toss to coat the pasta in the creamy tomato sauce. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add some reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese.
Notes
For an extra layer of flavor, try adding red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
If you don’t have preserved lemons, you can substitute with the zest and juice of a fresh lemon, adjusting the amount to taste.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of cream or pasta water to loosen the sauce.