Introduction
Lemon Garlic Butter Pasta is the kind of dish that proves simplicity can be truly luxurious. With just a handful of ingredients, you get a bowl of silky, buttery pasta infused with zesty lemon, aromatic garlic, and a hint of Parmesan. It’s light yet satisfying, comforting yet elegant—perfect for weeknights when you want something quick but still crave flavor.
This pasta is incredibly versatile—it can be enjoyed on its own as a vegetarian dish or paired with shrimp, chicken, or vegetables for a heartier meal. Best of all, it comes together in less than 30 minutes, making it a lifesaver on busy days.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it’s simple, fresh, and comforting all at once. The combination of lemon, garlic, and butter is timeless—it creates a creamy yet bright sauce that clings beautifully to pasta.
Another reason I adore it is how adaptable it is. Sometimes I make it as a quick solo dinner with just pasta and Parmesan, while other times I add shrimp, broccoli, or spinach to make it a full meal. It’s a dish that always tastes special, no matter how simple or dressed-up you make it.
Why It’s a Must-Try Dish
- Comes together in under 30 minutes.
- Few ingredients but big on flavor.
- Customizable—add proteins or veggies as you like.
- A perfect mix of comforting and refreshing.
- Ideal for both weeknight meals and dinner parties.
Time & Servings
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: ~420 kcal per serving (varies by pasta type & cheese)
Cuisine & Course
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
- Course: Main Course, Dinner
Ingredients
- 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti or linguine
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1 large lemon (about 3 tbsp)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Extra Parmesan, for serving
Simple Cooking Directions
- Cook pasta until al dente.
- Sauté garlic in butter and olive oil.
- Add lemon juice, zest, and seasonings.
- Toss pasta in the sauce with Parmesan.
- Garnish and serve hot.
Step-by-Step Preparation Method
- Cook Pasta – Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain.
- Make Sauce – In a large skillet, melt butter with olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant (do not burn).
- Add Lemon & Seasoning – Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Combine Pasta & Sauce – Add cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat. If it seems dry, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
- Finish with Cheese – Stir in Parmesan until melted and creamy.
- Garnish & Serve – Sprinkle with parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.
How to Serve
- Serve immediately in warm pasta bowls with lemon wedges on the side.
- Pair with a simple side salad or garlic bread.
- For a fancier meal, top with grilled shrimp, seared chicken, or roasted veggies.
Additional Recipe Tips
- Use fresh lemon juice for the brightest flavor.
- Don’t overcook garlic—it should be fragrant, not browned.
- Reserve pasta water—it helps create a silky sauce.
- For extra creaminess, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of ricotta.
Variations
- Shrimp Lemon Garlic Pasta – Add sautéed shrimp for protein.
- Chicken Variation – Toss in grilled or roasted chicken strips.
- Vegetarian – Add roasted broccoli, spinach, or asparagus.
- Creamy Version – Stir in ¼ cup heavy cream or mascarpone cheese.
- Vegan – Use vegan butter and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
Freezing & Storage
- Fridge Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of water or broth.
- Freezing: Not ideal, as pasta and sauce can lose texture when thawed. If freezing, store sauce separately (up to 1 month).
Special Equipment Needed
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Skillet or sauté pan
- Zester or fine grater for lemon zest
- Tongs for tossing pasta
Conclusion
The Lemon Garlic Butter Pasta is a simple yet elegant dish that brings together the best of Italian-inspired flavors—zesty lemon, aromatic garlic, rich butter, and savory Parmesan. Quick to make and endlessly versatile, it’s a recipe you’ll find yourself returning to again and again. Whether served plain or with proteins and veggies, it’s a must-try comfort food that’s light, bright, and utterly satisfying.
Lemon Garlic Butter Pasta
Description
Lemon Garlic Butter Pasta is the kind of dish that proves simplicity can be truly luxurious. With just a handful of ingredients, you get a bowl of silky, buttery pasta infused with zesty lemon, aromatic garlic, and a hint of Parmesan. It’s light yet satisfying, comforting yet elegant—perfect for weeknights when you want something quick but still crave flavor.
Ingredients
Instructions
-
Cook Pasta :– Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain.
-
Make Sauce :– In a large skillet, melt butter with olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant (do not burn).
-
Add Lemon & Seasoning :– Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
-
Combine Pasta & Sauce :– Add cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat. If it seems dry, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
-
Finish with Cheese :– Stir in Parmesan until melted and creamy.
-
Garnish & Serve :– Sprinkle with parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.
