Description
Discover how to make the best lemon butter garlic pasta sauce in just 15 minutes! Perfect for busy days, this creamy and zesty recipe is a must-try.
Ingredients
Scale
- 300 g (10.5 oz) linguine or spaghetti
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 40 g (2 tablespoons) unsalted butter
- 6 garlic cloves, finely sliced
- ½ teaspoon red chili flakes
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 50 g (½ cup) grated Parmesan (or veggie hard Italian cheese)
- A handful of freshly chopped parsley
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions.
- Reserve 1-2 cups of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- Heat olive oil in a large pan or Dutch oven over low-medium heat.
- Melt the butter, then stir in the garlic and red chili flakes. Cook for 1-2 minutes, ensuring the garlic doesn’t burn.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- Add the cooked pasta to the pan and toss well to coat with the butter sauce.
- Gradually add reserved pasta water if the sauce seems too thick.
- Infuse with Lemon:
- Stir in the lemon zest and juice, mixing thoroughly.
- Finish with Parmesan and Parsley:
- Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan and toss to combine.
- Add freshly chopped parsley, season with salt and black pepper, and mix well.
- Serve:
- Plate the pasta immediately, garnished with additional cheese and lemon zest if desired.
Notes
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh lemons, garlic, and parsley elevate the flavor significantly.
- Reserve Pasta Water: This starchy liquid helps emulsify the sauce for a creamy consistency.
- Cook Garlic Gently: Keep the heat low to prevent the garlic from burning and becoming bitter.
- Add Vegetables or Protein: Customize the dish with grilled chicken, shrimp, or sautéed spinach for added variety.
- Serve Fresh: This pasta tastes best when served immediately after preparation.
- Prep Time: 5minutes
- Cook Time: 10minutes