Name: Lemon Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 8 ounces of spaghetti or your favorite pasta; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 lemon, zested and juiced; 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste); Salt, to taste; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Introduction

This Lemon Garlic Butter Pasta is a simple yet flavorful dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. With just a few ingredients, it combines zesty lemon, rich butter, and a hint of spice for a comforting and delicious meal.

A white bowl filled with spaghetti noodles coated in a creamy yellow sauce, with small bits of green herbs and red pepper flakes scattered evenly over the top. The noodles are loosely twirled in layers, showing a smooth and slightly glossy texture, with some strands overlapping each other softly. The background is a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

8 ounces of spaghetti or your favorite pasta
4 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 cloves garlic, minced
1 lemon, zested and juiced

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
Salt, to taste

Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Fill a large pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt, and bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
Step 2: Add the spaghetti (or chosen pasta) and cook according to package instructions until al dente (about 8-10 minutes).
Step 3: Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water.

Step 4: Drain the pasta in a colander without rinsing.
Step 5: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat, being careful not to brown it.
Step 6: Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and slightly golden.

Step 7: Stir in the lemon zest and juice, mixing well.
Step 8: Add red pepper flakes, adjusting to taste.
Step 9: Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 10: Toss the drained pasta into the skillet with the sauce, coating it evenly.
Step 11: If needed, add reserved pasta water gradually until desired consistency is reached.
Step 12: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined.

Step 13: Adjust seasoning as necessary, adding more lemon juice or cheese if desired.
Step 14: Twirl the pasta onto plates or into bowls.
Step 15: Sprinkle with chopped parsley and additional Parmesan if desired.

Step 16: Enjoy fresh, paired with a green salad or crusty bread.

Tips & Variations

For a creamier sauce, add a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of mascarpone cheese.
Swap spaghetti for linguine or fettuccine for a slightly different texture.

Add cooked shrimp or grilled chicken for extra protein.
Be cautious not to overcook the garlic to avoid bitterness.
Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and melting quality.

Storage

Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of reserved pasta water or broth to loosen the sauce as needed. Avoid microwaving for best texture.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with a single layer of creamy spaghetti piled neatly in the center, coated in a pale yellow sauce with visible specks of black pepper and red chili flakes scattered evenly on top. Fresh green herbs are lightly sprinkled throughout, adding small pops of color against the smooth sauce. The texture looks slightly glossy and rich, with a few strands of pasta slightly curled and overlapping. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use gluten-free pasta for this recipe?

Yes, gluten-free pasta works well in this dish. Just be sure to follow the cooking time recommended on the package, as it can differ from regular pasta.

How do I prevent the garlic from burning?

Cook the garlic over medium heat and keep a close eye on it, stirring frequently. Remove it from the heat if it starts to brown too quickly, as burnt garlic can taste bitter.