Lemon Pepper Pasta
Bright, zesty, and irresistibly creamy, this Lemon Pepper Pasta is a quick and flavorful dish perfect for weeknight dinners or elegant entertaining. Featuring al dente spaghetti tossed in a luscious butter and olive oil sauce infused with fresh garlic, tangy lemon zest, and the bold kick of freshly cracked black pepper, this pasta is a celebration of simple yet vibrant flavors. Finished with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and a touch of fresh parsley, this recipe strikes the perfect balance of richness and freshness. Ready in just 25 minutes, this dish is an easy, crowd-pleasing option that pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or crusty bread. Perfect for fans of quick pasta recipes, citrus-infused dishes, and classic Parmesan pairings, this Lemon Pepper Pasta is a meal you'll come back to again and again!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti (or pasta of choice)
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 large garlic cloves
- 2 tsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley (optional, chopped)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup pasta water
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
While the pasta is cooking, prepare the sauce. In a large skillet or saucepan, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic brown.
Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and cracked black pepper. Cook for 1 minute, allowing the flavors to infuse into the butter.
Lower the heat and add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss the pasta in the lemon-pepper mixture until evenly coated.
Gradually sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese, tossing the pasta as you go. Add a few tablespoons of reserved pasta water at a time to create a smooth, glossy sauce.
Taste and adjust seasoning by adding more salt or pepper if needed.
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley (if using) and serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
389 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 25.2 g | 32% | |
| Saturated Fat | 12.5 g | 63% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 51 mg | 17% | |
| Sodium | 830 mg | 36% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 29.7 g | 11% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.2 g | 8% | |
| Total Sugars | 1.0 g | ||
| Protein | 13.7 g | 27% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 244 mg | 19% | |
| Iron | 1.2 mg | 7% | |
| Potassium | 99 mg | 2% | |
*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.
