Description
A light and flavorful Lemon Butter Pasta recipe featuring a vibrant lemon butter sauce infused with garlic, perfect for a quick and easy vegetarian meal. This Italian-inspired dish combines tender spaghetti with fresh lemon zest and juice, finished with Parmesan and parsley for a deliciously bright and comforting pasta entrée.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 ounces spaghetti or pasta of choice
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1 lemon (about 3 tablespoons)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Finishing Touches
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
- Prepare Sauce: While the pasta is cooking, heat the unsalted butter and olive oil together in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Add Flavorings: Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, red pepper flakes if using, salt, and black pepper. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 1 minute to blend the flavors.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss well to coat in the lemon butter sauce. Add a splash of the reserved pasta water as needed to loosen and emulsify the sauce for a silky texture.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley before serving immediately.
Notes
- For added protein, toss in grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas.
- This dish is versatile with gluten-free pasta or whole wheat noodles.
- Add steamed vegetables like broccoli or spinach to create a fuller, more balanced meal.
- Be careful not to brown the garlic to avoid bitterness.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level or omit for no heat.
