Lemon Butter Garlic Pasta

$For a tasty Lemon Butter Garlic Pasta, you need: - 8 oz spaghetti or your favorite pasta - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced - Zest and juice of 1 large lemon - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, finely chopped for garnish Each ingredient adds a unique flavor that makes this dish shine. The butter gives richness, while lemon brings brightness. Garlic adds depth, and red pepper flakes can give a nice kick. I recommend using spaghetti for this dish. It holds the sauce well and twirls nicely on a fork. Other great options include: - Fettuccine - Linguine - Penne Each pasta type will offer a slightly different texture. Choose what you enjoy most or have on hand. If you don’t have some ingredients, here are easy swaps: - Use olive oil instead of butter for a vegan option. - Swap the Parmesan with nutritional yeast for a plant-based dish. - Any citrus zest, like lime or orange, can replace lemon for a twist. These substitutions will keep the dish delicious and fun, letting you customize it to your taste. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once it bubbles, add 8 oz of spaghetti or your preferred pasta. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. You want it to be al dente. Just before you drain it, save about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. This water helps to make the sauce silky later. After saving the water, drain the pasta well and set it aside. In a large skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Wait until it bubbles gently. Next, add 4 finely minced cloves of garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1-2 minutes. You want it to smell great but not brown. If it browns, it can taste bitter. Now add the zest and juice of 1 large lemon. If you like a bit of spice, add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Let the mixture cook for another minute. This helps the flavors blend well. Carefully add the drained pasta into the skillet with the sauce. Toss the pasta well so every strand gets coated in the lemon garlic butter. Gradually mix in the reserved pasta water. Add a little at a time until the sauce is silky and light. Now stir in 1/4 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. This will melt and blend into the sauce. Taste your pasta and season it with salt and freshly ground black pepper. When everything is well mixed and heated, take the skillet off the heat. Garnish with finely chopped fresh parsley for a nice touch before you serve. To get the best pasta, cook it until al dente. Al dente means firm but not hard. This gives your pasta the right bite. Always use a large pot with plenty of salted water. The salt adds flavor while cooking. Keep stirring the pasta often to prevent sticking. Reserve some pasta water before draining. This starchy water helps make your sauce creamy. You can add a twist to your dish. Try mixing in fresh herbs like basil or thyme. They enhance the lemon and garlic flavor. For a bit of heat, add more red pepper flakes. If you love cheese, sprinkle extra Parmesan on top. You can also add veggies like spinach or cherry tomatoes for color and nutrition. Serve your pasta in warm bowls to keep it hot. Drizzle a little olive oil over the top. This adds shine and flavor. Use a spoon to twirl the pasta, making it look fancy. Top with chopped parsley and more Parmesan. This makes your dish pop with color. Enjoy the beauty of your meal! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh garlic and lemons for the best flavor. Fresh ingredients elevate the dish and provide a vibrant taste. Don't Skip the Pasta Water: The reserved starchy pasta water is key to achieving a silky sauce. It helps bind the sauce to the pasta and enhances the overall texture. Adjust the Spice Level: Feel free to modify the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your taste. Start with a smaller amount and add more if you like it spicier! Garnish for Presentation: A sprinkle of additional Parmesan and fresh parsley not only adds flavor but also makes the dish visually appealing. Presentation matters! {{image_4}} You can make this dish heartier by adding protein. Grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp work well. For chicken, use bite-sized pieces. Cook them in the skillet before adding the garlic. For shrimp, add them after the garlic turns fragrant. Cook until they are pink and opaque. This adds flavor and makes the meal more filling. If you need a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta. There are many types available, like rice or quinoa pasta. Check the cooking time, as it may differ from regular pasta. You can also try zucchini noodles for a fresh twist. They pair well with the lemon garlic sauce and keep it light. To make this dish vegetarian, skip the meat and add extra veggies. Spinach, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus brighten the plate. For a vegan option, replace butter with olive oil or vegan butter. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a cheesy flavor. These changes keep the spirit of the dish while catering to different diets. To keep your leftovers fresh, let the pasta cool first. Place it in an airtight container. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. When reheating, use a microwave or a skillet. If using the microwave, heat in short bursts. Stir between each burst to ensure even heating. If using a skillet, add a splash of water or broth to help revive the sauce. Heat on low until warm. To freeze lemon butter garlic pasta, portion it into freezer-safe bags. Remove as much air as possible. Label the bags with the date. You can freeze it for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat as mentioned above. The best pasta for this dish is spaghetti. It holds the sauce well and gives a nice bite. You can also use fettuccine or linguine if you prefer. These types of pasta are long and work great with the lemon butter sauce. Just make sure to cook it al dente for the best texture. Yes, you can use bottled lemon juice. However, fresh lemon juice gives a brighter taste. Fresh lemons also add zest that enhances the flavor. If you use bottled juice, make sure it is pure and not from concentrate. This helps keep your dish fresh and tasty. To add spice, include red pepper flakes. Start with half a teaspoon and adjust to your taste. You can also add diced fresh chili or a dash of hot sauce. Just remember to balance the heat with the lemon and butter. This will keep the dish flavorful and not overwhelming. This pasta pairs well with a fresh salad. A simple green salad with vinaigrette is nice. You can also serve garlic bread or grilled vegetables alongside. For protein, try grilled chicken or shrimp. These options make your meal more filling and delicious. This article covered all you need for Lemon Butter Garlic Pasta. We explored key ingredients, from pasta types to substitutions. You learned step-by-step instructions for perfect preparation. Tips improved your cooking and presentation, while variations offered new ideas. Storage info helped you keep leftovers fresh. Remember, great pasta is simple and fun to make. Enjoy sharing this dish with others!$

A delicious and easy pasta dish featuring a bright lemon garlic butter sauce.

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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 preferred pasta
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 large lemon, zest and juice
0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, adjust to taste)
0.25 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
to taste salt
to taste freshly ground black pepper
for garnish fresh parsley, finely chopped

Instructions

Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it reaches al dente perfection. Just before draining, reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water for later use. After reserving the water, drain the pasta well and set aside.
In a large skillet, over medium heat, melt the butter until it bubbles gently. Once it’s melted, introduce the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes. You want the garlic to become fragrant but light golden in color – be careful not to let it brown, as it can turn bitter.
To the skillet, add the bright lemon zest and the freshly squeezed lemon juice. If desired, stir in the red pepper flakes, giving it a slight kick. Allow the mixture to cook for an additional minute to meld the flavors.
Carefully add the drained pasta into the skillet, tossing it well to coat every strand in the luscious lemon garlic butter. Gradually incorporate the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until the sauce achieves your preferred consistency - silky and light.
Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt and blend into the sauce. Taste and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your preference.
Once everything is well combined and heated through, remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish generously with the chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness before serving.

Notes

Serve with extra olive oil and Parmesan for an elegant finish.

Keyword butter, garlic, lemon, pasta