Description
A quick and flavorful Lemon Garlic Butter Pasta recipe that combines tender spaghetti with a zesty lemon garlic butter sauce, finished with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. Perfect for a simple yet elegant meal ready in just 25 minutes.
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
Finishing Touches
- 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.
- Cook the Pasta: Add the spaghetti or your choice of pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
- Reserve Pasta Water: Before draining, scoop out about 1 cup of the starchy pasta cooking water and set aside for later use.
- Drain the Pasta: Drain the pasta in a colander without rinsing to keep the surface starch intact for better sauce adhesion.
- Melt the Butter: In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat, ensuring it does not brown to maintain a smooth sauce flavor.
- Sauté Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and slightly golden, being careful not to burn it.
- Add Lemon: Stir in the freshly grated lemon zest and the juice of the lemon, mixing thoroughly to combine the flavors.
- Spice it Up: Add the red pepper flakes, adjusting the amount to your desired heat level.
- Season: Season the sauce with salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your taste preferences.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Toss the drained pasta into the skillet with the lemon garlic butter sauce, ensuring it is evenly coated.
- Adjust Sauce Consistency: If the sauce seems too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
- Add Cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and combines well with the pasta and sauce.
- Final Seasoning: Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more lemon juice or Parmesan cheese if desired for extra brightness or creaminess.
- Plate the Pasta: Twirl the pasta onto plates or into bowls for an appealing presentation.
- Garnish: Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese on top for a fresh and cheesy finish.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately while hot, optionally paired with a green salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency and help the sauce cling to the pasta.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and texture.
- Adjust red pepper flakes for desired spice level.
- Do not overcook garlic to avoid bitterness.
- This recipe serves 2 but can easily be doubled for more servings.
- Pair with a light salad or garlic bread for a fuller meal.
