Name: Zesty Lemon Garlic Pasta: A Classic Italian Favorite
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 8 oz dried spaghetti (or any long pasta like linguine, capellini, or angel hair pasta); 2 tbsp olive oil; 2 tbsp butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional for some heat); 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice; 1 tsp lemon zest; ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for garnish); 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped; Kosher salt, to taste; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

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I will never forget the incident that occurred during my first attempt at making this Lemon Garlic Pasta. One day, I suddenly found myself in one of those “what-have-I-got-in-my-pantry?” moods and boy, this arrangement proved to be a hit.

Somehow, that special formula of fresh zest from lemon, warmth from the magic of garlic, and a touch of creaminess of Parmesan, turns a simple plate of pasta into a worthy dish to be shared.

It has become one of my quick-cooking recipes for a hectic day or for upscale evenings spent with a loved one at home. Seriously, just one try at this recipe and it’ll be in your weekly mixes as well.

How To Make Creamy Lemon Garlic Pasta In 20 Minutes

Its simplicity is matched only by its classicism, this lemon garlic pasta dish is an Italian pasta recipe that delivers a punch of lemon flavor in a silky garlic butter sauce. It would be perfect for busy weeknights or even alongside one of your Italian feasts!

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes
Cuisine: Italian
Course: Main Dish or Side Dish

Difficulty Level: Easy
Yield: 4 servings
Calories Per Serving: ~320

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this zesty dish:

8 oz dried spaghetti (or any long pasta like linguine, capellini, or angel hair pasta)
2 tbsp olive oil

2 tbsp butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional for some heat)

2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tsp lemon zest
¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for garnish)

2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Kosher salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Cook The Pasta

Boil a huge pot of water with salt. Cook spaghetti (or a similar form of pasta) according to package instructions until it is al dente, then remove from the heat.
However, remember to reserve ½ cup of the pasta water before you proceed to drain the pasta. Put the pasta somewhere in a dish.

Step 2: Make The Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce

Put onto the heat in a large skillet olive oil mixed with butter till they have melted at a medium-high temperature.

Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant (don’t let it brown).
Toss the red pepper flakes, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Cook for additional minute.

Step 3: Combine And Toss

Incorporate the drained pasta into the skillet. Toss to coat the noodles with the lemon garlic butter sauce.

Slowly add a little bit of the reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until achieving your preferred consistency for the sauce.

Step 4: Finish With Parmesan And Parsley

Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese and toss again until it melts into the sauce.
Add seasoning in the form of salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

Before serving, top it with freshly chopped parsley and additional Parmesan cheese.

Video Tutorial:

Expert Tips And Troubleshooting

Why Do People Add Lemon To Pasta?
Lemon brings brightness and cuts through the richness of the butter and cheese, making the pasta dish feel lighter and more flavorful.
What Does Lemon Juice Do To Pasta Sauce?
It adds acidity, enhancing the overall taste and balancing the creaminess of the butter and Parmesan.

Can You Boil Garlic And Lemon Together?
While it’s not necessary, gently sautéing garlic with olive oil or butter extracts a sweeter, milder flavor than boiling it. Lemon is best added at the end to preserve its fresh zestiness.
Adjust for Dietary Needs: Swap butter for vegan margarine and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a dairy-free version.

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Serving Suggestions

Pair this Lemon Garlic Pasta with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

It also works wonderfully as a side dish with grilled chicken, shrimp, or salmon. A glass of chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc makes an excellent pairing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Pre-Grated Parmesan Cheese?

Yes, but freshly grated Parmesan melts better and offers a superior flavor.

What Pasta Shapes Work Best For This Recipe?

Long pasta noodles like spaghetti, linguine, or capellini are ideal for coating with the lemon garlic butter sauce.

Can I Make This Recipe Ahead Of Time?

It’s best served fresh, but you can prepare the sauce in advance and toss it with freshly cooked pasta when ready to serve.

How Do I Store Leftovers?

Seal the leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate the food for 3 days. Gently reheat on the stovetop with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.

Closing

It’s my go-to easy, quick, and super-yummy Lemon Garlic Pasta! Interested to hear how it turns out for you.

So take the shot; tell me your thoughts; if any fun twists were made. Don’t forget to check the blog for even more pasta dishes out there. Together we cook!

Happy adventures in pasta!