Description
A bright and flavorful Lemon Garlic Butter Pasta recipe that combines al dente spaghetti with a rich butter and garlic sauce infused with fresh lemon juice and zest, finished with a touch of parsley for freshness. This quick and easy pasta dish is perfect for a light yet satisfying meal prepared in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 400 grams (about 14 ounces) spaghetti
- 100 grams (about 7 tablespoons) unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 60 milliliters (about 1/4 cup) fresh lemon juice
- Lemon zest from 1 large lemon
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta.
- Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté until it turns golden and fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
- Add Lemon: Stir in the fresh lemon juice and lemon zest into the skillet. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Let the mixture simmer gently for 1 to 2 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Toss Pasta: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the lemon garlic butter sauce. Toss to coat evenly, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to achieve a smooth, silky sauce consistency.
- Finish & Serve: Stir in the chopped fresh parsley. Serve the pasta immediately, garnishing with additional parsley if desired for extra color and flavor.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water to help create a creamy sauce without adding cream.
- Adjust lemon juice and zest according to taste for more or less tanginess.
- Use fresh garlic for the best flavor; avoid pre-minced jarred garlic if possible.
- For added protein, consider topping with grilled chicken or shrimp.
- This dish pairs well with a side salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.
