Name: Lemon Butter Garlic Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 12 ounces spaghetti (or your choice of pasta); ½ cup unsalted butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; Zest and juice of 1 large lemon; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped; Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

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Introduction

This Lemon Butter Garlic Pasta is a simple yet flavorful dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Combining the bright zest of lemon with rich butter and garlic, it’s a delightful way to enjoy pasta with minimal ingredients.

The image shows a close-up of spaghetti with a creamy sauce, arranged in several round nests on a white plate. The pasta is light yellow and smooth, with small flecks of black pepper and green herbs sprinkled evenly on top. The herbs add a fresh contrast to the warm-colored noodles. The plate sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

12 ounces spaghetti (or your choice of pasta)
½ cup unsalted butter

4 cloves garlic, minced
Zest and juice of 1 large lemon

Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water.
Step 2: In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter gently without browning it. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 to 2 minutes.

Step 3: Stir in the lemon zest and juice, then add the drained spaghetti to the skillet. Toss well to coat the pasta in the lemon butter sauce. Add reserved pasta water little by little to reach your desired sauce consistency.
Step 4: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Top with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately. Optionally, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.

Tips & Variations

Use gluten-free or whole wheat pasta as a variation to fit dietary preferences without losing flavor.

Add red pepper flakes for a subtle spicy kick.
Incorporate cooked shrimp or grilled chicken to turn this pasta into a heartier meal.
For a creamier sauce, stir in a splash of heavy cream after adding the lemon juice.

Storage

Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan with a splash of water or broth to keep the sauce from drying out. This dish is best enjoyed fresh but reheats well with care.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a plate of spaghetti pasta with a creamy light yellow sauce, sprinkled with small green parsley leaves and ground black pepper spread evenly on top. The spaghetti strands are twisted and layered in a slightly messy but inviting way on a clean white plate, all placed on a white marbled surface. The creamy sauce looks smooth and glossy, covering most of the pasta strands. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, this recipe works well with various pasta shapes such as linguine, fettuccine, or penne. Just adjust cooking times according to the pasta type.

How can I make the pasta more flavorful?

Adding fresh herbs like basil or thyme, tossing in some toasted pine nuts, or finishing with a drizzle of good quality olive oil can enhance the flavor profile significantly.