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Lemon Garlic Pasta Recipe

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4 from 12 reviews

A bright and flavorful Lemon Garlic Pasta recipe that comes together in just 20 minutes. This simple yet delicious dish features al dente spaghetti tossed in a fragrant sauce of olive oil, butter, garlic, red pepper flakes, fresh lemon juice, and zest, finished with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a light meal any time.

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 12 ounces dried spaghetti

Sauce

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 5 large garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (or more to taste)
  • 1 large lemon (juice and zest)
  • 1/3 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Topping

  • 2 ounces freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the dried spaghetti and cook until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving 1 cup of the pasta cooking water for later use.
  2. Prepare the garlic sauce: Meanwhile, heat the olive oil and butter together in a large skillet over medium heat until sizzling. Add the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes, cooking and stirring until fragrant, approximately 30 seconds, then remove the skillet from the heat.
  3. Toss the pasta in the sauce: Return the skillet with the garlic mixture to medium heat. Add the drained spaghetti and 1/4 cup of the reserved pasta water. Toss well to coat the pasta, adding more pasta water as needed to keep the pasta moist. Continue cooking and stirring until the pasta is heated through.
  4. Finish with lemon and herbs: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and chopped parsley. Season to taste with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  5. Serve: Transfer the pasta to a serving bowl or platter. Sprinkle the freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Reserve pasta water is essential to help emulsify the sauce and coat the spaghetti perfectly.
  • Adjust red pepper flakes to control the spiciness according to preference.
  • Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best bright flavor.
  • Garnish with extra Parmesan and parsley if desired.
  • To make it vegan, substitute butter with additional olive oil and omit the Parmesan or use a vegan cheese alternative.

Find it online: https://recipeplenty.com/lemon-garlic-pasta-recipe/