Description
Lemon Garlic Butter Pasta is a quick and flavorful dish featuring tender spaghetti tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce brightened with fresh lemon zest and juice. Finished with a touch of red pepper flakes, Parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley, this simple yet elegant recipe is perfect for a fast weeknight dinner or a light lunch.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 ounces of spaghetti or your favorite pasta
Sauce
- 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
Toppings
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Boil the pasta: Fill a large pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt, and bring it to a rolling boil over high heat. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes.
- Reserve pasta water: Before draining, scoop out about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water and set it aside. Drain the pasta in a colander without rinsing to retain its starch.
- Melt the butter: In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat, taking care not to brown it, ensuring a clean buttery flavor.
- Sauté garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes until it becomes fragrant and slightly golden, releasing its aroma without burning.
- Add lemon: Stir in the lemon zest and juice, mixing well to infuse the butter with bright citrus flavor.
- Season the sauce: Add the red pepper flakes, adjusting to your preferred heat level, then season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Toss pasta with sauce: Add the drained pasta directly into the skillet and toss well to coat every strand evenly with the lemon garlic butter sauce.
- Adjust consistency: Gradually add the reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce and achieve a silky texture that clings perfectly to the pasta.
- Add Parmesan cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and combines smoothly into the sauce, enriching the flavor and texture.
- Final seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary, adding more lemon juice or cheese to enhance brightness or richness as desired.
- Plate and garnish: Twirl the pasta onto plates or into bowls, then sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and additional Parmesan if desired for a fresh, colorful finish.
- Serve and enjoy: Serve immediately, ideally paired with a crisp green salad or crusty bread to complement this zesty and buttery pasta dish.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water carefully as it contains starch that helps bind the sauce to the pasta.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to heat preference or omit for no spice.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best melting and flavor.
- Don’t overcook the garlic to avoid bitterness; sauté just until fragrant.
- This dish is best enjoyed fresh; leftovers can be reheated gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute regular pasta with gluten-free pasta varieties.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: Lemon Garlic Butter Pasta, Easy Pasta Recipe, Quick Dinner, Italian Pasta, Weeknight Meal, Garlic Butter Sauce
