Description
A quick and flavorful lemon garlic butter pasta recipe that combines al dente spaghetti with a rich butter and garlic sauce infused with fresh lemon juice and zest. Perfect for a light yet satisfying meal ready in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Pasta
- Spaghetti: 400 grams (about 14 ounces)
Sauce
- Unsalted butter: 100 grams (about 7 tablespoons)
- Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
- Fresh lemon juice: 60 milliliters (about 1/4 cup)
- Lemon zest: from 1 large lemon
- Salt: to taste
- Black pepper: to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley: 1/4 cup, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water before draining.
- Sauté garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt unsalted butter and add minced garlic. Sauté until golden and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add lemon flavors: Stir in fresh lemon juice and lemon zest into the skillet. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 1-2 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Toss pasta with sauce: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet with the lemon butter sauce. Toss to combine, gradually adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach your desired sauce consistency.
- Finish and serve: Stir in the chopped fresh parsley, mix well, and serve immediately. Garnish with extra parsley if desired for a fresh presentation.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water because its starch helps loosen the sauce and bind it to the pasta.
- Adjust the amount of lemon juice according to your taste preference for tartness.
- Use fresh garlic and lemon for the best vibrant flavor.
- For a richer sauce, you can add a splash of heavy cream or grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
- This dish pairs well with a light green salad and crusty bread.
