Lemon Butter Garlic Pasta Recipe
This Lemon Butter Garlic Pasta is a bright and flavorful dish, combining the richness of buttery garlic sauce with the fresh zest and juice of lemon. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a simple yet delicious meal perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a delightful gathering with friends and family.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 ounces spaghetti (or your choice of pasta)
Sauce
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Zest and juice of 1 large lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: 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 to help adjust the sauce’s consistency later.
- Prepare Sauce: In a skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter carefully without browning it. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, taking care not to burn the garlic.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Stir in the lemon zest and juice into the garlic butter sauce, then add the drained spaghetti to the skillet. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce, adding reserved pasta water little by little as needed to achieve a silky consistency.
- Season and Garnish: Season the pasta with salt and pepper to taste. Top with freshly chopped parsley and, if desired, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese for an extra touch of flavor. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water contains starch that helps bind the sauce to the pasta for better texture.
- Be cautious when melting butter to avoid browning, which can alter the flavor.
- Fresh lemon juice is preferable for the best bright citrus flavor.
- Parmesan cheese is optional but adds a nice savory depth to the dish.
- Leftovers can be reheated gently with a splash of water or broth to prevent drying.
Keywords: lemon butter garlic pasta, easy pasta recipe, quick dinner, Italian pasta, lemon pasta sauce, garlic butter sauce
Find it online: https://lucabites.com/lemon-butter-garlic-pasta-recipe/
