Creamy Penne with Parmesan Cheese and Lime

Here is a revisited Italian-style recipe for Creamy Penne with Parmesan Cheese and Lime. Lime is an exotic touch that will give a citrusy and fresh note to the dish.

Ingredients

• 350 g of penne
• 200 g of grated parmesan cheese
• Grated zest and juice of 1 lime
• 200 ml of cream
• Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• A knob of butter
• A few fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Preparation

1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne according to the package instructions until al dente.
2. Meanwhile, in a large pan, melt the knob of butter over medium heat.
3. Add the cream and the grated lime zest, mix well, and let it cook for a few minutes until the cream starts to thicken slightly.
4. Lower the heat and incorporate half of the grated parmesan cheese, stirring until completely melted. Turn off the heat.
5. Drain the penne, reserving some of the cooking water, and add them to the pan with the parmesan sauce.
6. Turn the heat back on, very low, and stir the penne into the sauce to flavor them. If necessary, add some of the cooking water to maintain creaminess.
7. Turn off the heat and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper, then incorporate the lime juice to give that fresh and citrusy note to the dish.
8. Serve immediately, garnishing with the remaining grated parmesan cheese and, if liked, a few fresh basil leaves.

This recipe combines the intense and slightly salty flavor of parmesan with the freshness of lime, creating a particularly delightful taste balance. If you like the idea of adding a green touch to the dish, basil is perfect because it pairs well with the citrus note of lime.

Curiosity

Parmesan is a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) cheese highly valued in Italy and around the world for its rich taste and versatility in cooking. Pairing it with lime is not among the most traditional combinations, but in cooking, experimentation is always welcome to discover new pairings and flavors!