Description
A 20-minute one-pot Italian-American dish featuring tangy lemon, fragrant garlic, and creamy Parmesan. Ready in no time, it’s customizable and perfect for weeknight meals.
Ingredients
12 oz spaghetti (or gluten-free alternative)
4–6 cloves garlic, sliced
1–2 large lemons, zested and juiced
3 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp unsalted butter
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
salt, to taste
black pepper, to taste
½–1 cup pasta water
Instructions
Bring 4–6 cups water to a boil in a large pot. Add 1 tbsp salt and spaghetti, cooking 1–2 minutes less than package instructions.
Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté garlic and red pepper flakes until golden (5–7 minutes).
Add lemon zest, juice, and ½ cup pasta water to the skillet, stirring until the mixture thickens slightly.
Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then add cooked spaghetti to the skillet. Toss with the garlic-lemon sauce, parmesan, and parsley until creamy. Add pasta water as needed.
Notes
Use fresh garlic for maximum aroma; pre-minced garlic lacks depth.
Substitute olive oil for butter to make vegan.
Parmesan may contain animal enzymes – use vegetarian parmesan if required.
Adjust lemon quantity for intense brightness.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: LUNCH
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (12 oz pasta)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 60mg