Lemon Poppy Seed Pasta

By: Alli from An Open Cookbook

If you are in need of light and simple weeknight healthy cooking ideas, then try out this Lemon Poppy Seed Pasta recipe from Alli from An Open Cookbook. In the world of healthy pasta recipes, good luck finding better ideas for cooking for one or two people. Alli says, "The poppy seeds add a nice nutty dimension to this refreshing lemon pasta dish. I used orecchiette pasta, but any variety of pasta will work just fine. Tossing in the parsley at the end rounds it all out with green freshness."

Notes

For more recipes from Alli, be sure to check out her Featured Foodies profile page.

Yields2 servings

Ingredients

2 cups dry pasta, any variety
1 tablespoon butter
1 shallot, finely chopped
2 tablespoons poppy seeds, ground in coffee grinder
1/2 cup 2 percent milk
1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons pasta water
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Parmesan cheese, to sprinkle

Instructions

Cook the pasta al dente according to the directions on the package.
Meanwhile, heat a large saute pan on medium heat and add the butter. Once it is melted, add in the shallots and ground poppy seeds. Saute for about a minute.
Pour in the milk, 1 tablespoon Parmesan and lemon zest and bring to a light boil. Lower heat to a simmer for about 5 minutes. Add in the lemon juice and 2 tablespoons of pasta water and stir. Sprinkle in salt and pepper to taste.
Once the pasta is cooked, drain and pour the cooked pasta into the simmering sauce. Turn off heat and cover for a few minutes.
Portion pasta into the serving bowl and toss with the parsley and additional Parmesan. Enjoy with a nice white wine and light salad.