Lemon Garlic Pasta
Bright, zesty, and bursting with flavor, this Lemon Garlic Pasta is a quick and easy recipe perfect for weeknights. Featuring al dente spaghetti tossed in a luscious combination of fragrant garlic, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and a touch of red pepper flakes for subtle heat, this dish is both simple and satisfying. A sprinkle of parmesan cheese and fresh parsley adds the perfect finishing touch, while the reserved pasta water creates a silky sauce that clings to every noodle. With just 25 minutes from prep to plate, this light and refreshing pasta is ideal for anyone seeking an effortless dinner packed with Mediterranean-inspired flavors. Serve it with a crisp side salad or a warm crusty bread, and let its vibrant taste brighten your table.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 250 grams spaghetti
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 30 grams parmesan cheese
- 0.5 teaspoons red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoons salt
- 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
- 120 milliliters pasta cooking water
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, and cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente.
While the spaghetti is cooking, finely mince the garlic cloves and chop the fresh parsley.
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Add the red pepper flakes, lemon zest, and lemon juice to the skillet. Stir and cook for 30 seconds to enhance the flavors.
Reserve 120 milliliters of pasta cooking water before draining the spaghetti.
Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet and toss to combine with the garlic and lemon mixture.
Slowly pour in the reserved pasta water, stirring constantly, to create a light sauce. Let it cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Stir in grated parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Toss until the cheese is melted and the spaghetti is evenly coated.
Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the fresh parsley over the pasta.
Serve immediately with additional parmesan cheese on the side, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
936 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 53.3 g | 68% | |
| Saturated Fat | 12.5 g | 62% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 27 mg | 9% | |
| Sodium | 2565 mg | 112% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 89.1 g | 32% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 6.9 g | 25% | |
| Total Sugars | 3.4 g | ||
| Protein | 25.7 g | 51% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 351 mg | 27% | |
| Iron | 5.4 mg | 30% | |
| Potassium | 316 mg | 7% | |
*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.
