Introduction

Trenette al Limone with Stracciatella & Breadcrumbs is the perfect dish to bring a burst of freshness to your meal, offering a delightful balance of creamy richness and zesty lemon. The smooth, creamy stracciatella cheese pairs beautifully with the delicate trenette pasta, which is enriched by the bright citrusy notes of lemon. The crispy breadcrumbs sprinkled on top add a crunchy contrast, elevating the textures and flavors in every bite.

I fell in love with this dish during a summer trip to Italy when I first experienced the magic of combining fresh pasta with stracciatella. The lemony zest made it feel light and refreshing, while the stracciatella added a luxurious creaminess that was simply irresistible. The breadcrumbs give it a little unexpected crunch that makes it even more enjoyable. It’s one of those dishes that feels both comforting and refreshing, perfect for warm weather but satisfying enough to enjoy year-round.

What I love most about this recipe is how effortless yet elegant it is. The ingredients are simple, but when combined, they create a beautiful harmony of flavors that feels like a treat. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just looking for a quick, indulgent meal, Trenette al Limone with Stracciatella & Breadcrumbs is sure to impress. It’s a wonderful reminder that sometimes, the best meals come from a few quality ingredients working together in perfect harmony.

Perfect for:

Summer dinners
Light lunches
Special occasions
Pasta lovers
Fans of fresh, citrusy flavors

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Trenette al Limone with Stracciatella & Breadcrumbs will quickly become your go-to pasta dish:

Bright Lemon Flavor: The zest and juice of fresh lemons infuse the pasta with a tangy, refreshing taste that elevates the dish and makes it perfect for any season.
Creamy Stracciatella Cheese: The rich, creamy texture of stracciatella cheese complements the bright lemon, making every bite luxurious and satisfying.
Crunchy Breadcrumbs: Toasted breadcrumbs add the perfect contrast to the creamy pasta, offering a satisfying crunch and enhancing the overall flavor.
Light and Flavorful: This dish is both light and hearty, making it a great option for any meal without feeling too heavy.
Simple Yet Elegant: Despite its few ingredients, this pasta dish is incredibly sophisticated and perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to something special.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total Time: 30 minutes
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories per serving: Approximately 500-600 calories
Key Nutrients: Protein: 14g, Carbs: 60g, Fat: 25g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make Trenette al Limone with Stracciatella & Breadcrumbs:

400g trenette pasta (or linguine)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably fresh)
2 tablespoons butter
Zest and juice of 2 large lemons
250g stracciatella cheese
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)

Ingredient Highlights

Trenette Pasta: Similar to linguine, this flat, narrow pasta is perfect for absorbing creamy sauces, making it ideal for this dish.
Stracciatella Cheese: This soft, creamy cheese adds richness and a slight tang, making it the perfect pairing for the lemon in this dish.
Lemon: Fresh lemon zest and juice infuse the pasta with a refreshing, citrusy brightness, balancing the richness of the cheese and breadcrumbs.
Breadcrumbs: Lightly toasted in olive oil and butter, the breadcrumbs add texture and a savory crunch, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the dish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Trenette al Limone with Stracciatella & Breadcrumbs:

Prepare the Breadcrumbs:

Toast the Breadcrumbs: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the breadcrumbs and cook, stirring frequently, until golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Cook the Pasta:

Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the trenette pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water before draining the pasta.
Prepare the Sauce: While the pasta is cooking, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the lemon zest and juice, stirring to combine. Allow the lemon mixture to simmer for 1-2 minutes, then reduce the heat to low.

Assemble the Pasta:

Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the lemon butter sauce. Toss to coat, adding a little reserved pasta water at a time to achieve a silky consistency.
Add Stracciatella: Gently fold in the stracciatella cheese, allowing it to melt into the pasta and create a creamy texture.
Finish with Parmesan: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Top with Breadcrumbs: Finally, sprinkle the toasted breadcrumbs over the pasta for added crunch and texture.

Serve and Garnish:

Garnish and Serve: Divide the pasta among serving plates, garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired, and serve immediately.

How to Serve

Trenette al Limone with Stracciatella & Breadcrumbs can be served in a variety of ways:

As a Light Main Course: This dish is perfect as a light yet satisfying main course, ideal for a summer dinner or a casual lunch.
With a Side Salad: Pair it with a fresh green salad, dressed with lemon vinaigrette or balsamic glaze, to balance out the richness of the pasta.
For Special Occasions: The elegant combination of creamy stracciatella cheese, crunchy breadcrumbs, and lemon makes this a great dish to serve for dinner parties or family gatherings.
With a Glass of White Wine: Serve with a crisp, dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the lemony flavor of the dish.
With Grilled Vegetables: Serve with grilled asparagus or zucchini on the side for a wholesome and well-rounded meal.

Additional Tips

Here are some tips to ensure your Trenette al Limone with Stracciatella & Breadcrumbs is perfect every time:

Use Fresh Breadcrumbs: For the best texture and flavor, use fresh breadcrumbs rather than store-bought dry ones.
Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Be sure to cook the pasta al dente to ensure it retains a nice bite when combined with the sauce.
Reserve Pasta Water: Save some of the pasta cooking water before draining it. This starchy water helps create a silky sauce that clings to the pasta.
Adjust Lemon Flavor: Feel free to add more or less lemon zest and juice depending on your personal taste. For a milder lemon flavor, use less zest.
Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil or parsley works beautifully as a garnish, adding a burst of color and freshness.

Recipe Variations

Here are 10 variations you can try for Trenette al Limone with Stracciatella & Breadcrumbs:

Add Shrimp: For a seafood twist, toss in sautéed shrimp along with the pasta for added protein and flavor.
Vegetarian Version: Skip the Parmesan and use a vegan cheese alternative for a dairy-free option.
With Roasted Garlic: Add roasted garlic to the lemon butter sauce for a deeper, savory flavor.
Add Arugula: Toss in some fresh arugula before serving for a peppery, leafy contrast.
Lemon and Capers: Add capers to the pasta for a briny, tangy twist that pairs well with the lemon.
With Zucchini: Sauté thinly sliced zucchini and toss it into the pasta for added texture and freshness.
Pine Nuts: Add toasted pine nuts for an extra layer of crunch and a nutty flavor.
Lemon Ricotta: Swap the stracciatella cheese with ricotta cheese for a creamier, fluffier texture.
Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes to the breadcrumbs for a little heat to balance the lemony freshness.
With Prosciutto: Add crispy prosciutto for a salty contrast to the creamy cheese and bright lemon.

Freezing and Storage

Freezing: Due to the fresh ingredients, this pasta dish is not ideal for freezing. It is best enjoyed freshly made.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or olive oil to restore its creamy texture.

Special Equipment

Here are some special equipment items to make preparing Trenette al Limone with Stracciatella & Breadcrumbs easier:

Large Skillet: Essential for toasting the breadcrumbs and making the lemon butter sauce.
Large Pot for Pasta: A large pot is necessary for boiling the pasta and ensuring it cooks evenly.
Microplane Grater: A fine grater helps achieve the perfect zest from the lemon, adding aromatic oils to the dish.
Tongs: Useful for tossing the pasta in the sauce and ensuring even coating.
Cheese Grater: For freshly grating the Parmesan cheese for optimal flavor.

FAQ Section

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute trenette with other pasta shapes like linguine, spaghetti, or fettuccine, depending on your preference.
Can I make the breadcrumbs in advance?
Yes, you can toast the breadcrumbs ahead of time and store them in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Can I use store-bought breadcrumbs?
Fresh breadcrumbs are ideal, but store-bought breadcrumbs will work as well, though they may not have the same texture.
How do I make this dish spicier?
You can add red pepper flakes to the breadcrumbs or mix some into the pasta sauce to add a touch of heat.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegan?
Yes, you can substitute stracciatella cheese with vegan cream cheese and use a plant-based Parmesan alternative.

Conclusion

Trenette al Limone with Stracciatella & Breadcrumbs is a vibrant and sophisticated pasta dish that offers a perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and savory flavors. The fresh lemon zest adds a burst of brightness to the creamy stracciatella, while the crispy breadcrumbs provide a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the smooth pasta. Whether you’re serving it for a casual dinner or a special celebration, this dish is sure to elevate any meal with its elegant yet simple appeal.

This recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing you to adjust the flavors to your preference. You can experiment with adding extra herbs, a hint of garlic, or a sprinkle of Parmesan for a richer taste. It’s the perfect dish when you want something light yet indulgent, with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

I can’t wait to hear how your Trenette al Limone with Stracciatella & Breadcrumbs turns out! Be sure to snap a photo and tag me on Instagram—I’d love to see your delicious creation. Enjoy making and sharing this wonderful dish!