FREE DINNER EBOOK! Get your copy!

Lemon Butter Garlic Pasta Fresh and Flavorful Dish

by on December 18, 2024

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

Looking for a quick, tasty meal? Lemon Butter Garlic Pasta is your answer! This dish bursts with fresh flavors and is easy to whip up. You’ll enjoy the zesty lemon, savory butter, and fragrant garlic in every bite. Plus, you can customize it to fit your taste. In this post, I’ll guide you step-by-step to create this delightful dish. Let’s dive in and cook something delicious together!

- 8 oz spaghetti or your choice of pasta - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - Zest and juice of 1 large lemon - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Salt and black pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish For this recipe, you need 8 ounces of pasta. This amount works well for 2 to 4 servings. Use a food scale or measuring cup for accuracy. You should have 4 tablespoons of butter, which adds richness. Make sure to mince 4 cloves of garlic for a strong flavor. The zest and juice from one lemon bring brightness and freshness. Red pepper flakes give a slight kick, but they are optional. You will also need 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese for creaminess. Finally, use salt and black pepper to enhance the taste. Fresh parsley adds a nice touch to the dish. I suggest using spaghetti for this dish. It works great with the sauce and flavors. However, you can also try fettuccine or linguine. Both types hold the sauce well. If you prefer whole wheat or gluten-free pasta, feel free to use those options. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, gather your ingredients. You need: - 8 oz spaghetti or your choice of pasta - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - Zest and juice of 1 large lemon - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Salt and black pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish Next, fill a large pot with water and add salt. Bring it to a boil. While you wait, chop the garlic and parsley. Zest the lemon and then juice it. This way, you have everything ready. Once the water boils, add your pasta. Cook it according to the package until it is al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Before draining, save one cup of pasta water. This water helps make the sauce creamy. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. After it melts, add the minced garlic. Sauté it for one to two minutes. You want it fragrant, not brown. Next, stir in the lemon zest and juice. If you like some heat, add the red pepper flakes too. Cook for another minute. Now, add the drained pasta to the skillet. Toss it in the lemon garlic butter. Gradually pour in the reserved pasta water. Mix until you have the sauce you like. Then, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and black pepper. To plate, use a fork or tongs to twist the pasta onto plates. This gives it a nice shape. Sprinkle extra grated Parmesan on top for a cheesy finish. Finally, add the chopped parsley for color and freshness. Serve right away. Enjoy your lemon butter garlic pasta! When cooking pasta, always use a large pot. Fill it with water to allow the pasta to move freely. Bring the water to a rolling boil before adding salt. The salt enhances the flavor of the pasta. Cook the pasta until it is al dente, which means firm to the bite. This helps it hold its shape and texture. Remember to reserve some pasta water before draining. This water is starchy and helps the sauce cling to the pasta. To boost flavor, use fresh garlic instead of dried. Fresh garlic gives a stronger taste. You can also try adding lemon zest before cooking. This adds a bright note that pairs well with the butter. If you like heat, sprinkle in red pepper flakes. They give a nice kick. Finally, fresh parsley adds color and freshness. Toss it in right before serving for the best effect. One common mistake is overcooking the pasta. This makes it mushy and less enjoyable. Another mistake is not adding enough salt to the water. Pasta needs salt to taste good. Also, don’t forget to mix the pasta with the sauce well. If you simply place sauce on top, it does not coat evenly. Lastly, avoid letting the pasta sit too long before serving. It can dry out or stick together. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and lemon zest will enhance the flavor of your pasta significantly compared to dried alternatives. Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes. For more heat, add more according to your taste. Reserve Pasta Water: Always reserve some pasta cooking water. It helps to adjust the sauce's consistency and makes it cling better to the pasta. Garnish for Freshness: Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a fresh flavor. Don’t skip this step for a beautiful presentation! {{image_2}} You can add protein to your Lemon Butter Garlic Pasta for extra flavor and nutrition. Chicken works great. Cook it in the skillet before adding garlic. Slice it thin after cooking for easy mixing. Shrimp is another good choice. Sauté the shrimp until pink and tender. Both options make the dish heartier. If you prefer a vegetarian dish, skip the meat but keep the flavor. You can add veggies like spinach or cherry tomatoes. Toss them in the skillet with the garlic. They will cook quickly and add color. You can also use chickpeas for protein. They mix well and add a nice texture. Use seasonal ingredients to change up the dish. In spring, try fresh asparagus or peas. In summer, add zucchini or bell peppers. Fall brings great options like butternut squash. These swaps keep each meal fresh and exciting. You’ll enjoy the burst of flavors with every season. Store any leftover Lemon Butter Garlic Pasta in an airtight container. Let the pasta cool first. Place it in the fridge for up to three days. You can freeze the pasta if you want to keep it longer. Place the cooled pasta in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible. It can stay good for up to three months. To reheat, you can use a microwave or a skillet. If using a microwave, add a splash of water. Heat in short bursts to avoid drying it out. If using a skillet, add a little butter over low heat. Stir gently until warmed through. You can use Pecorino Romano cheese. It has a salty taste and good texture. Nutritional yeast also works well for a dairy-free option. It adds a cheesy flavor without the cheese. Yes, you can! Use gluten-free pasta made from rice or chickpeas. It cooks just like regular pasta. Make sure to check the package for cooking times. Add more red pepper flakes to the dish. Start with one teaspoon and taste as you go. You can also use diced fresh chili peppers for a fresh kick. This post covered all key steps to make delicious pasta. We talked about ingredients, cooking methods, and the best types of pasta to use. Don't forget to apply the tips and tricks to avoid common mistakes. You can customize your dish with proteins or seasonal veggies. Store leftovers properly to enjoy later. Remember, cooking is all about having fun while learning. Happy cooking!

Why I Love This Recipe

  1. Bright and Fresh Flavor: The combination of lemon and garlic brings a refreshing zest that elevates the pasta, making it a delightful dish for any occasion.
  2. Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner plans.
  3. Versatile Ingredients: Using simple pantry staples, you can easily customize the dish by adding vegetables, proteins, or your favorite herbs.
  4. Comfort Food with a Twist: The rich butter and Parmesan create a creamy texture, while the lemon keeps it light, making it a comforting yet refreshing meal.

Ingredients

List of Ingredients

– 8 oz spaghetti or your choice of pasta

– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

– 4 cloves garlic, minced

– Zest and juice of 1 large lemon

– 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

– Salt and black pepper to taste

– Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Measurement Details

For this recipe, you need 8 ounces of pasta. This amount works well for 2 to 4 servings. Use a food scale or measuring cup for accuracy. You should have 4 tablespoons of butter, which adds richness. Make sure to mince 4 cloves of garlic for a strong flavor. The zest and juice from one lemon bring brightness and freshness. Red pepper flakes give a slight kick, but they are optional. You will also need 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese for creaminess. Finally, use salt and black pepper to enhance the taste. Fresh parsley adds a nice touch to the dish.

Recommended Types of Pasta

I suggest using spaghetti for this dish. It works great with the sauce and flavors. However, you can also try fettuccine or linguine. Both types hold the sauce well. If you prefer whole wheat or gluten-free pasta, feel free to use those options. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation Steps

First, gather your ingredients. You need:

– 8 oz spaghetti or your choice of pasta

– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

– 4 cloves garlic, minced

– Zest and juice of 1 large lemon

– 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

– Salt and black pepper to taste

– Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Next, fill a large pot with water and add salt. Bring it to a boil. While you wait, chop the garlic and parsley. Zest the lemon and then juice it. This way, you have everything ready.

Cooking Techniques

Once the water boils, add your pasta. Cook it according to the package until it is al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Before draining, save one cup of pasta water. This water helps make the sauce creamy.

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. After it melts, add the minced garlic. Sauté it for one to two minutes. You want it fragrant, not brown. Next, stir in the lemon zest and juice. If you like some heat, add the red pepper flakes too. Cook for another minute.

Now, add the drained pasta to the skillet. Toss it in the lemon garlic butter. Gradually pour in the reserved pasta water. Mix until you have the sauce you like. Then, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and black pepper.

Plating Suggestions

To plate, use a fork or tongs to twist the pasta onto plates. This gives it a nice shape. Sprinkle extra grated Parmesan on top for a cheesy finish. Finally, add the chopped parsley for color and freshness. Serve right away. Enjoy your lemon butter garlic pasta!

Tips & Tricks

Best Practices for Cooking Pasta

When cooking pasta, always use a large pot. Fill it with water to allow the pasta to move freely. Bring the water to a rolling boil before adding salt. The salt enhances the flavor of the pasta. Cook the pasta until it is al dente, which means firm to the bite. This helps it hold its shape and texture. Remember to reserve some pasta water before draining. This water is starchy and helps the sauce cling to the pasta.

Flavor Enhancements

To boost flavor, use fresh garlic instead of dried. Fresh garlic gives a stronger taste. You can also try adding lemon zest before cooking. This adds a bright note that pairs well with the butter. If you like heat, sprinkle in red pepper flakes. They give a nice kick. Finally, fresh parsley adds color and freshness. Toss it in right before serving for the best effect.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

One common mistake is overcooking the pasta. This makes it mushy and less enjoyable. Another mistake is not adding enough salt to the water. Pasta needs salt to taste good. Also, don’t forget to mix the pasta with the sauce well. If you simply place sauce on top, it does not coat evenly. Lastly, avoid letting the pasta sit too long before serving. It can dry out or stick together.

Pro Tips

  1. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and lemon zest will enhance the flavor of your pasta significantly compared to dried alternatives.
  2. Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes. For more heat, add more according to your taste.
  3. Reserve Pasta Water: Always reserve some pasta cooking water. It helps to adjust the sauce’s consistency and makes it cling better to the pasta.
  4. Garnish for Freshness: Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a fresh flavor. Don’t skip this step for a beautiful presentation!

Variations

Adding Protein (Chicken, Shrimp, etc.)

You can add protein to your Lemon Butter Garlic Pasta for extra flavor and nutrition. Chicken works great. Cook it in the skillet before adding garlic. Slice it thin after cooking for easy mixing. Shrimp is another good choice. Sauté the shrimp until pink and tender. Both options make the dish heartier.

Vegetarian Options

If you prefer a vegetarian dish, skip the meat but keep the flavor. You can add veggies like spinach or cherry tomatoes. Toss them in the skillet with the garlic. They will cook quickly and add color. You can also use chickpeas for protein. They mix well and add a nice texture.

Seasonal Ingredient Swaps

Use seasonal ingredients to change up the dish. In spring, try fresh asparagus or peas. In summer, add zucchini or bell peppers. Fall brings great options like butternut squash. These swaps keep each meal fresh and exciting. You’ll enjoy the burst of flavors with every season.

Storage Info

How to Store Leftovers

Store any leftover Lemon Butter Garlic Pasta in an airtight container. Let the pasta cool first. Place it in the fridge for up to three days.

Freezing Instructions

You can freeze the pasta if you want to keep it longer. Place the cooled pasta in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible. It can stay good for up to three months.

Reheating Tips

To reheat, you can use a microwave or a skillet. If using a microwave, add a splash of water. Heat in short bursts to avoid drying it out. If using a skillet, add a little butter over low heat. Stir gently until warmed through.

FAQs

What can I substitute for Parmesan cheese?

You can use Pecorino Romano cheese. It has a salty taste and good texture. Nutritional yeast also works well for a dairy-free option. It adds a cheesy flavor without the cheese.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can! Use gluten-free pasta made from rice or chickpeas. It cooks just like regular pasta. Make sure to check the package for cooking times.

How can I make it spicier?

Add more red pepper flakes to the dish. Start with one teaspoon and taste as you go. You can also use diced fresh chili peppers for a fresh kick.

This post covered all key steps to make delicious pasta. We talked about ingredients, cooking methods, and the best types of pasta to use. Don’t forget to apply the tips and tricks to avoid common mistakes. You can customize your dish with proteins or seasonal veggies. Store leftovers properly to enjoy later. Remember, cooking is all about having fun while learning. Happy cookin

- 8 oz spaghetti or your choice of pasta - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - Zest and juice of 1 large lemon - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Salt and black pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish For this recipe, you need 8 ounces of pasta. This amount works well for 2 to 4 servings. Use a food scale or measuring cup for accuracy. You should have 4 tablespoons of butter, which adds richness. Make sure to mince 4 cloves of garlic for a strong flavor. The zest and juice from one lemon bring brightness and freshness. Red pepper flakes give a slight kick, but they are optional. You will also need 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese for creaminess. Finally, use salt and black pepper to enhance the taste. Fresh parsley adds a nice touch to the dish. I suggest using spaghetti for this dish. It works great with the sauce and flavors. However, you can also try fettuccine or linguine. Both types hold the sauce well. If you prefer whole wheat or gluten-free pasta, feel free to use those options. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, gather your ingredients. You need: - 8 oz spaghetti or your choice of pasta - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - Zest and juice of 1 large lemon - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Salt and black pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish Next, fill a large pot with water and add salt. Bring it to a boil. While you wait, chop the garlic and parsley. Zest the lemon and then juice it. This way, you have everything ready. Once the water boils, add your pasta. Cook it according to the package until it is al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Before draining, save one cup of pasta water. This water helps make the sauce creamy. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. After it melts, add the minced garlic. Sauté it for one to two minutes. You want it fragrant, not brown. Next, stir in the lemon zest and juice. If you like some heat, add the red pepper flakes too. Cook for another minute. Now, add the drained pasta to the skillet. Toss it in the lemon garlic butter. Gradually pour in the reserved pasta water. Mix until you have the sauce you like. Then, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and black pepper. To plate, use a fork or tongs to twist the pasta onto plates. This gives it a nice shape. Sprinkle extra grated Parmesan on top for a cheesy finish. Finally, add the chopped parsley for color and freshness. Serve right away. Enjoy your lemon butter garlic pasta! When cooking pasta, always use a large pot. Fill it with water to allow the pasta to move freely. Bring the water to a rolling boil before adding salt. The salt enhances the flavor of the pasta. Cook the pasta until it is al dente, which means firm to the bite. This helps it hold its shape and texture. Remember to reserve some pasta water before draining. This water is starchy and helps the sauce cling to the pasta. To boost flavor, use fresh garlic instead of dried. Fresh garlic gives a stronger taste. You can also try adding lemon zest before cooking. This adds a bright note that pairs well with the butter. If you like heat, sprinkle in red pepper flakes. They give a nice kick. Finally, fresh parsley adds color and freshness. Toss it in right before serving for the best effect. One common mistake is overcooking the pasta. This makes it mushy and less enjoyable. Another mistake is not adding enough salt to the water. Pasta needs salt to taste good. Also, don’t forget to mix the pasta with the sauce well. If you simply place sauce on top, it does not coat evenly. Lastly, avoid letting the pasta sit too long before serving. It can dry out or stick together. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and lemon zest will enhance the flavor of your pasta significantly compared to dried alternatives. Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes. For more heat, add more according to your taste. Reserve Pasta Water: Always reserve some pasta cooking water. It helps to adjust the sauce's consistency and makes it cling better to the pasta. Garnish for Freshness: Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a fresh flavor. Don’t skip this step for a beautiful presentation! {{image_2}} You can add protein to your Lemon Butter Garlic Pasta for extra flavor and nutrition. Chicken works great. Cook it in the skillet before adding garlic. Slice it thin after cooking for easy mixing. Shrimp is another good choice. Sauté the shrimp until pink and tender. Both options make the dish heartier. If you prefer a vegetarian dish, skip the meat but keep the flavor. You can add veggies like spinach or cherry tomatoes. Toss them in the skillet with the garlic. They will cook quickly and add color. You can also use chickpeas for protein. They mix well and add a nice texture. Use seasonal ingredients to change up the dish. In spring, try fresh asparagus or peas. In summer, add zucchini or bell peppers. Fall brings great options like butternut squash. These swaps keep each meal fresh and exciting. You’ll enjoy the burst of flavors with every season. Store any leftover Lemon Butter Garlic Pasta in an airtight container. Let the pasta cool first. Place it in the fridge for up to three days. You can freeze the pasta if you want to keep it longer. Place the cooled pasta in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible. It can stay good for up to three months. To reheat, you can use a microwave or a skillet. If using a microwave, add a splash of water. Heat in short bursts to avoid drying it out. If using a skillet, add a little butter over low heat. Stir gently until warmed through. You can use Pecorino Romano cheese. It has a salty taste and good texture. Nutritional yeast also works well for a dairy-free option. It adds a cheesy flavor without the cheese. Yes, you can! Use gluten-free pasta made from rice or chickpeas. It cooks just like regular pasta. Make sure to check the package for cooking times. Add more red pepper flakes to the dish. Start with one teaspoon and taste as you go. You can also use diced fresh chili peppers for a fresh kick. This post covered all key steps to make delicious pasta. We talked about ingredients, cooking methods, and the best types of pasta to use. Don't forget to apply the tips and tricks to avoid common mistakes. You can customize your dish with proteins or seasonal veggies. Store leftovers properly to enjoy later. Remember, cooking is all about having fun while learning. Happy cooking!

Lemon Butter Garlic Pasta

A delicious and easy pasta dish with lemon, garlic, and butter.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 2
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz spaghetti or your choice of pasta
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large lemon, zest and juice
  • 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • to taste Salt and black pepper
  • for garnish Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water and then drain the pasta.
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, until fragrant but not browned.
  • Stir in the lemon zest and juice, and if using, the red pepper flakes. Cook for an additional minute.
  • Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the lemon garlic butter. Gradually add reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired sauce consistency.
  • Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and combined. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  • Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

Adjust the red pepper flakes according to your spice preference.
Keyword butter, garlic, lemon, pasta

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?