Lemon Garlic Pasta
This bright and flavorful lemon garlic pasta is the perfect weeknight dinner that comes together in just 20 minutes. With fresh lemon, aromatic garlic, and creamy Parmesan, it's a restaurant-quality dish made from simple pantry staples.
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Servings: 4
Calories: 485kcal
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 5 garlic cloves minced
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- Juice and zest of 1 large lemon
- 1/3 cup fresh parsley chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 oz freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook spaghetti in salted water until al dente according to package directions.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
- Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, and fresh parsley.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss with the sauce.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add freshly grated Parmesan cheese and mix until creamy and well combined.
Notes
Reserve 1/2 cup pasta cooking water before draining to help loosen the sauce if needed
Use freshly grated Parmesan rather than pre-grated for better flavor and texture
Don't overcook the garlic as it will become bitter
Add pasta water gradually, one tablespoon at a time, until desired consistency is reached
For extra richness, add an additional tablespoon of butter at the end
Garnish with extra parsley and Parmesan before serving
Nutrition
Calories: 485kcal | Carbohydrates: 68g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 25mg | Sodium: 320mg | Potassium: 285mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 4g