If there’s one thing Giada De Laurentiis is known for, it’s her passion for Italian cooking. So when asked by her team at Giadzy, her popular recipe blog, to reveal her favorite recipe, fans couldn’t wait to see which dish would take the top spot.
After sifting through her crowd-pleasing classics, De Laurentiis started narrowing down the options. First, it came down to her Sheet-Pan Lasagna and Roasted Broccoli & Brussels Sprouts Salad. With a smile and a confident nod, she chose the lasagna without hesitation. But this was just the beginning of a tough decision-making process.
Next, her Sheet-Pan Lasagna went head-to-head with her Simple Bolognese—a hearty, comforting dish that happens to be her daughter Jade’s favorite. The Bolognese quickly took the lead, and the lasagna was eliminated. The Simple Bolognese continued its winning streak, taking down other favorites like Chicken Piccata Meatballs and Zucchini Scarpaccia.
The Bolognese’s reign was strong but met its match when it was finally up against De Laurentiis’s Lemon Spaghetti. This quick and simple dish, made with only four ingredients, stole the show.
Lemon Spaghetti then breezed through every remaining round, surpassing crowd-pleasers like Lemon Ricotta Cookies, Chicken Marsala, Turkey Tuscan Soup, and White Pesto. Even when matched up again with the Sheet-Pan Lasagna, the Lemon Spaghetti remained undefeated.
“I guess Lemon Spaghetti will always be my favorite child,” De Laurentiis admitted with a smile, confirming her love for this light, citrusy dish.
Giada’s Original Lemon Spaghetti: A Simple, Flavorful Favorite
Giada’s Original Lemon Spaghetti is as straightforward as it is delicious. Its simplicity is part of its appeal, and it’s no wonder it’s a fan favorite. This five-star recipe also happens to be the most popular dish at her Las Vegas restaurant, GIADA.
The recipe starts with a base of olive oil, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. These few ingredients combine to create a light yet creamy sauce that complements the spaghetti perfectly. Pasta water is then added to achieve a silky texture, and fresh basil adds a burst of flavor that balances the citrusy notes.
To enhance the lemony flavor even further, De Laurentiis recommends using lemon-infused olive oil if you have it on hand. This simple addition takes the dish to another level, intensifying its signature brightness.
A One-Bowl Recipe for Effortless Cooking
One of the reasons De Laurentiis’s Lemon Spaghetti has such a strong following is the ease of preparation. She prepares the sauce in a serving bowl, so there’s no need for extra pans.
Once the spaghetti is cooked, it’s tossed with the sauce right in the same bowl. This easy setup makes it perfect for busy nights or a fuss-free date night dinner.
De Laurentiis highlights the importance of starchy pasta water in this recipe. The pasta water, added to the sauce, binds the ingredients together, creating a cohesive and velvety texture. So remember to save a bit of pasta water before draining the noodles—it makes all the difference.
Lemony Pasta Dishes: A Perfect Addition to Any Menu
If you love lemony flavors, you’re not alone. Lemon-based pasta dishes have a unique appeal, blending zest with a touch of creaminess. For more lemony goodness, try recipes like Creamy Lemon Pasta with Shrimp, Lemon Zucchini Pasta, or One-Pot Lemon-Broccoli Pasta with Parmesan.
Each of these dishes offers its own twist on lemon pasta, coming together in just 25 minutes or less, making them perfect for weeknights.
While De Laurentiis’s Lemon Spaghetti is a beloved classic and a top choice for a romantic dinner or family meal, these other lemony pastas make great additions to your weeknight meal rotation.
Why Giada’s Lemon Spaghetti Is Worth Trying
De Laurentiis’s Lemon Spaghetti isn’t just her personal favorite—it’s also a favorite among fans who appreciate its balance of simplicity and flavor. The combination of Parmesan and lemon zest with a hint of fresh basil makes it light, refreshing, and versatile enough for various occasions.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen beginner, Giada’s Lemon Spaghetti is a must-try for any pasta lover. With its quick preparation and vibrant taste, it’s sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.
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