Description
Lemon Garlic Butter Pasta is a simple yet flavorful dish combining tender spaghetti with a luscious butter and garlic sauce, brightened with fresh lemon zest and juice, and finished with a hint of red pepper flakes and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal, this recipe balances richness and freshness effortlessly.
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 Water: Fill a large pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt, and bring it to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Cook Pasta: Add the spaghetti or your chosen pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
- Reserve Pasta Water: Before draining the pasta, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water for later use.
- Drain Pasta: Drain the pasta in a colander without rinsing to preserve the starch that helps the sauce adhere.
- Melt Butter: In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat, making sure it does not brown to maintain a clean buttery flavor.
- Sauté Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and slightly golden, releasing its aroma.
- Add Lemon: Stir in the lemon zest and juice, mixing well to infuse the sauce with bright citrus notes.
- Season with Spices: Add red pepper flakes, adjusting the amount according to your preferred spice level.
- Season Salt and Pepper: Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste to enhance overall flavor.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Toss the drained pasta into the skillet with the sauce, evenly coating each strand.
- Adjust Sauce Consistency: Slowly add the reserved pasta water as needed to reach your desired sauce consistency, allowing it to cling smoothly to the pasta.
- Add Parmesan: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and integrates thoroughly with the sauce.
- Final Seasoning: Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding extra lemon juice or Parmesan if you prefer more tang or creaminess.
- Plate the Pasta: Twirl the pasta onto plates or into bowls for an elegant presentation.
- Garnish: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese on top to add color and extra flavor.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately, pairing with a green salad or crusty bread for a complete meal experience.
Notes
- To keep the garlic from burning, cook it on medium heat and watch carefully during sautéing.
- Reserving pasta water is essential to adjust sauce consistency and enhance coating.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your spice preference or omit for a milder dish.
- This recipe is versatile and can be doubled or halved depending on serving needs.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best melting and flavor results over pre-grated cheese.
- Add protein like grilled chicken or shrimp for a heartier meal.
