January is for fresh starts — and not just the ones that live on a vision board. One resolution we love? The six-second kiss. Couples therapists swear by it: six slow seconds to boost connection and release all the good feels. Conveniently, this pasta does most of the work. Antica Pasta Lemon Fettuccine, New York Shuk Preserved Lemon Paste, and fresh zest form a bright, glossy sauce that naturally makes lips pucker.
Our take on pasta al limone brings everything you need for a kiss-worthy winter bite — preserved lemon and chili for spark, butter and Parm for cozy warmth. And because no one wants chapped lips mid-moment, we’ve included Butterbalm Sweet Cream Lip Balm to keep things smooth and sweet all night long.
What You’ll Need to Set the Mood
- For the pasta and sauce:
- 8.8 oz Antica Pasta Lemon Fettuccine*
4 Tbsp kosher salt (for the pasta water)
4 Tbsp unsalted butter*
1 small clove garlic, finely grated or minced
2 tsp New York Shuk Preserved Lemon Paste
½–1 tsp dried chili flakes (to taste)
1 cup pasta cooking water, reserved
Finely grated zest of 1 fresh lemon
½ cup finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, plus more for serving*
- 8.8 oz Antica Pasta Lemon Fettuccine*
- For the rest of the night:
- Date Night Surprise: Butterbalm Sweet Cream Lip Balm
- Musical Mood-Setter: Our Al Dente-Approved Playlist
*Pasta Note: This box features egg-based fettuccine for extra richness. Not vegan — but easily swapped with another long pasta noodle if that’s your vibe. To make this fully plant-based, we recommend a cultured or whipped dairy-free butter, plus nutritional yeast or dairy-free Parm.
Let’s Get Saucy: Step-by-Step
1. Time It Right
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the fettuccine until just al dente (2–3 minutes) — our playlist has you covered, so you don’t miss the cue (or the chemistry)! Reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain.
2. Melt and Bloom
In a wide skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add garlic and chili flakes, cooking until fragrant (30–60 seconds).
3. Warm It Up
Stir in the lemon paste, warming until loosened and aromatic (20–30 seconds).
🔥 Hot Tip: Low and Slow
Preserved lemon loves gentle heat. Warming it in fat wakes up the flavor without dulling its brightness.
4. Make a Saucy Moment
Reduce to low heat, and build a creamy sauce by gradually stirring in the grated Parm with small splashes of the pasta water until melted and smooth.
🔥 Hot Tip: Starchy Bliss
That starchy water is what turns butter and cheese into a silky sauce. Add it slowly — you’re emulsifying, not flooding.
5. Toss and Zest
Remove from heat, then slide the drained pasta into the pan. Sprinkle the pasta with lemon zest before giving everything a final glossy toss to coat.
🔥 Hot Tip: Fresh Finish
Adding zest at the end keeps the lemon fresh, floral, and punchy — not cooked away.
6. More is More
Divide into bowls with as much extra Parm as you’d like.
7. Commit to the Kiss
Before your first bite (and definitely before your first kiss), swipe on the lip balm, lean in, and commit to a full six seconds. New year, same chemistry — just a little more citrus.
Want More Where That Came From?
If this recipe got you all hot and saucy, don’t stop now — join Please Send Noods to get more cheeky recipes, premium small-batch pasta, and other flirty extras delivered right to your door every month.