Description
A vibrant, creamy pasta dish crafted with fresh lemons, garlic, and butter. This quick, family-friendly recipe transforms simple ingredients into a silky, zesty meal perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
1 lb (450g) spaghetti, linguine, or tagliatelle
1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, cubed
2 large lemons, zested and juiced
1/2 to 1 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
2–4 cloves garlic, minced or thinly sliced
1 to 2 cups reserved pasta water
Olive oil (1 tbsp, optional)
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Black pepper
Red pepper flakes (optional)
Heavy cream (1/4 cup, optional)
Instructions
Boil pasta in salted water until just shy of al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water and drain.
Melt butter in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add garlic and lemon zest; cook for 1 minute.
Stir in 1/2 cup reserved water to create a sauce base, then add drained pasta to the skillet.
Toss continuously, adding remaining butter and Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes glossy and creamy.
Gradually add remaining pasta water as needed to reach desired consistency. Finish with lemon juice and optional additions.
Remove from heat, stir in fresh parsley, and serve with extra zest and Parmesan.
Notes
Use high-quality lemon zest for maximum flavor. For a lighter version, use olive oil with butter or substitute part of the butter with olive oil.
Reserve starchy pasta water to ensure a silky sauce. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: LUNCH
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Carbohydrates: 68g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 100mg