Description
Discover this easy Lemon Garlic Butter Pasta recipe! Ready in 20 minutes, itu2019s zesty, creamy, and perfect for busy weeknights
Ingredients
Scale
- 16 ounces spaghetti
- 6 Tablespoons butter
- 8 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
- ½ teaspoon crushed pepper flakes
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ⅔ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
- Salt, as needed
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- Fresh minced parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente (about 8 minutes).
- Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter.
- Add minced garlic and crushed pepper flakes; stir for 30 seconds without burning the garlic.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- Add cooked spaghetti and half of the reserved pasta water to the skillet. Toss well to coat.
- Add Parmesan and Lemon:
- Sprinkle in Parmesan cheese and toss until evenly distributed.
- Add more pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
- Stir in lemon zest and juice, combining thoroughly.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Top with parsley (optional) and extra Parmesan. Serve hot.
Notes
- Don’t Overcook Garlic: Keep the heat moderate to avoid a bitter taste.
- Save That Pasta Water: It helps create a silky sauce.
- Add Protein: Grilled chicken, shrimp, or scallops make great additions.
- Vegetarian Enhancements: Mix in spinach, cherry tomatoes, or roasted vegetables.
- Make It Vegan: Use vegan butter and replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15minutes