Lemon Butter Garlic Pasta

$- 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!$

A delicious and easy pasta dish with lemon, garlic, and butter.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Total Time 20

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