Elevate your weeknight dinner routine with this vibrant and flavorful Lemon and Garlic Pasta recipe! Featuring tender spaghetti tossed in a luscious sauce of zesty lemon juice, fragrant garlic, and a rich blend of olive oil and butter, this dish is a perfect balance of bright citrus and savory ingredients. Fresh parsley adds a pop of herbal freshness, while grated Parmesan cheese melts into the pasta for a creamy, indulgent finish. Ready in just 25 minutes, this easy pasta recipe comes together effortlessly and uses simple pantry staples, making it ideal for busy evenings or a quick yet elegant entertaining option. Serve it with a crisp side salad or buttery garlic bread for a complete meal thatβs both satisfying and light. Perfect for pasta lovers and fans of Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, this Lemon and Garlic Pasta is sure to become a household favorite!
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the rest.
While the pasta cooks, zest both lemons and juice one of them, setting the zest and juice aside separately.
Finely mince the garlic cloves and chop the parsley.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sautΓ© for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Lower the heat and add the butter to the skillet, stirring until melted and combined with the garlic.
Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water. Mix well to make a light sauce.
Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. If it seems dry, add more pasta water in small increments until the desired consistency is reached.
Stir in the chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
Grate the parmesan cheese over the top and toss again to combine.
Serve immediately, garnished with additional parsley and parmesan, if desired.
Calories |
1603 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 98.5 g | 126% | |
| Saturated Fat | 32.6 g | 163% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 5.4 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 106 mg | 36% | |
| Sodium | 2704 mg | 118% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 143.1 g | 52% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 11.3 g | 40% | |
| Total Sugars | 6.7 g | ||
| Protein | 41.8 g | 84% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 564 mg | 43% | |
| Iron | 8.6 mg | 48% | |
| Potassium | 482 mg | 10% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.