Quick & Creative · Italian-inspired
Lemon Garlic Butter Pasta
A zesty twist on a classic comfort dish
This Lemon Garlic Butter Pasta is the perfect weeknight meal, combining the rich flavors of butter and garlic with a refreshing lemony kick. It's a quick and easy dish that elevates your typical pasta night with minimal effort. Perfect for when you want something comforting yet bright.
A recipe by Marco · Executive Chef · Cookbookverse Kitchen
Prep
10 min
Cook
15 min
Serves
4
Difficulty
Easy
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz spaghetti
- Salt for pasta water
Sauce
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Method
- 1
Cook the pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
- 2
Prepare the sauce
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant but not browned. Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes. Cook for another minute.
- 3
Combine pasta and sauce
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce reaches the desired consistency. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper.
- 4
Serve
Divide the pasta among four plates. Garnish with chopped parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan, if desired. Serve immediately.
Origin story
Lemon and garlic are iconic flavors in Italian cuisine, often paired with pasta to create light yet satisfying dishes. This recipe draws inspiration from these traditional elements, bringing a balance of richness and acidity to the table.
