Quick Lemon Garlic Butter Pasta
A fast and comforting pasta dish featuring garlic sizzling in butter with bright fresh lemon, ready in under 15 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinners.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2-3 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces (225 grams) spaghetti or linguine
- 4 tablespoons (56 grams) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 large garlic cloves, finely minced or pressed
- Juice of 1 large lemon (about 3 tablespoons, 45 ml)
- Zest of 1 large lemon
- ½ cup (50 grams) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt to taste, plus 1 tablespoon (15 grams) for pasta water
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (optional)
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Bring 4 quarts (3.8 liters) of salted water to a rolling boil in a large pot. Add 8 ounces (225 grams) of spaghetti or linguine and cook according to package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes for al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Reserve ½ cup (120 ml) of pasta water before draining.
- While the pasta cooks, heat 4 tablespoons (56 grams) of unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once melted and bubbling slightly, add 4 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and golden, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Stir in the zest of 1 lemon and the freshly squeezed juice (about 3 tablespoons or 45 ml).
- Add the drained pasta directly into the skillet. Toss gently to coat the noodles with the garlic butter lemon sauce. If the pasta seems dry, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until silky and smooth.
- Stir in ½ cup (50 grams) freshly grated Parmesan cheese, salt to taste (start with ¼ teaspoon), and freshly ground black pepper (about ¼ teaspoon). Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired. Toss until cheese melts and coats the pasta.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle with 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately.
Notes
Use fresh garlic for best flavor. Do not overcook pasta; al dente is ideal. Reserve pasta water to loosen sauce and help it cling to noodles. Cook garlic gently to avoid bitterness. Add lemon juice gradually and taste as you go. Freshly grated Parmesan melts better than pre-shredded. If pasta cools too quickly, reheat skillet on low for 30 seconds before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1½ cups
- Calories: 425
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 300
- Fat: 15
- Saturated Fat: 9
- Carbohydrates: 55
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 12
Keywords: lemon garlic butter pasta, quick pasta recipe, easy dinner, weeknight meal, garlic butter pasta, lemon pasta, simple pasta recipe