Lemon-Thyme Spaghetti

It must be in the air. Maybe it’s the fact that it’s been in the 50s and 60s in Colorado this week…. but I’m craving summer in a bad, bad way.

Beaches, flip flops, sundresses, tanlines, pool time…. I want it all!

Last night, I made a dish that I didn’t expect to taste like summer, but I’ve since deemed “summer on a plate.” HOLY HANNAH! This stuff is “over the top” good.

Now, what would make this pasta even better? Maybe pair it with some chicken cooked on the grill? Mmmmm… a nice cold glass of pinot grigio. AND…. eat it all on this patio??

How about we dine al fresco here… no table? I’d be willing to hold my plate if I can spend time in that pool!

Eating outdoors in the summertime is one of my favorite things. In Colorado, we’re fortunate to be able to do it for extended periods and without humidity. So lovely.

Have you ever seen the episode of Parenthood where they dine in the backyard? I’d love to have that backyard and create that dinner party. Seriously. That’s my dream backyard.

Best show on television. Hands down.

Ok, without further ado… let me introduce you to my new pasta BFF…

Lemon-Thyme Spaghetti

From Weight Watchers 101 Best Quick and Easy Recipes – Spring 2010

Serves 6 (as a side dish)

INGREDIENTS

6 oz uncooked thin spaghetti
1 tsp. fresh thyme leaves
1 tsp. grated lemon rind
2 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
2 tsp. olive oil
2 tsp (or more) capers
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. black pepper
2 Tbsp. grated fresh parmesan cheese
fresh thyme sprigs (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Cook pasta according to package directions.

I always break my pasta as I put it in the pot. Just what I do…

2. While pasta cooks, combine thyme and next 6 ingredients in a large bowl. Note: I’m obsessed with capers, so I added extra.

How pretty and fragrant is fresh thyme – - LOVE!!

My VERY first zesting experience. I think I did good!

Squeezing the fresh lemon juice… I think fresh is best in this case (and most cases)

Reminder: I used extra capers…

3. Drain pasta, and mix with lemon mixture in a bowl. Toss well. Top with parmesan cheese. Garnish with thyme sprigs.

Pictured is TWO servings, as I made it my dinner

PER 1/2 CUP SERVING:

CAL: 128; PROTEIN: 4.3g; FAT: 2.4g; SODIUM: 153mg; CARB: 21.9g

ENJOY!

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Comments

Robin says:

January 31, 2012 at 6:26 pm

This sounds almost exactly like my recipe that I use for Chicken Piccata. The only other thing I add is a little white wine which cooks off but leaves a great flavor mixed with the lemon and capers. Mmmmm

Erin says:

February 1, 2012 at 5:28 pm

Mmmmm this looks good, I think I'm going to have to make this some day. I will join you on that gorgeous outdoor patio!

Hilary (The Big Weight) says:

February 2, 2012 at 4:00 pm

what exactly are capers?

No Thanks to Cake says:

February 2, 2012 at 4:28 pm

They are so yummy! Delightful little salty berries that you can put in a lot of different dishes. You can find them near the olives, I think…

Tim says:

February 3, 2012 at 11:42 pm

I'm printing this off as we speak! Yummy!!