Ingredients
1 lb Spaghetti or Linguine
4 cloves Garlic, thinly sliced
1/4 cup Unsalted Butter
2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 large Lemon, zested and juiced
1/2 cup Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese
1/4 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes
1/4 cup Fresh Parsley, chopped
Salt and Black Pepper to taste
1/2 cup Reserved Pasta Water
Instructions
Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente.
Step 2: While the pasta cooks, heat the butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
Step 3: Stir the lemon juice and half of the lemon zest into the garlic butter mixture.
Step 4: Before draining the pasta, carefully scoop out 1 cup of the starchy pasta water and set it aside.
Step 5: Drain the pasta and add it directly to the skillet. Toss well, adding the Parmesan cheese and splashes of pasta water as needed to create a glossy sauce.
Step 6: Garnish with the remaining lemon zest, fresh parsley, and extra black pepper before serving hot.
Notes
Always use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor; bottled juice can be too acidic and lacks the floral notes of fresh zest.
- Prep Time: PT5M
- Cook Time: PT15M
- Category: Main Dishes
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 62g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: easy lemon garlic pasta, 20 minute pasta, lemon butter sauce, garlic pasta recipe, quick dinner
