Description
This Lemon Garlic Butter Pasta is a quick and flavorful dish featuring al dente spaghetti tossed in a zesty lemon garlic butter sauce with a hint of heat from red pepper flakes. Garnished with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese, it makes for a light yet satisfying meal perfect for any day of the week.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 ounces spaghetti or your favorite pasta
Sauce
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Finishing Touches
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Boil Pasta: Fill a large pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt, and bring it to a rolling boil over high heat to prepare for cooking the pasta.
- Cook Pasta: Add the spaghetti to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, approximately 8-10 minutes, ensuring a perfect tender bite.
- Reserve Pasta Water: Before draining the pasta, scoop out about 1 cup of the starchy cooking water and set aside to adjust sauce consistency later.
- Drain Pasta: Pour the pasta through a colander to drain the water, avoiding rinsing to preserve starches that help the sauce cling.
- Melt Butter: In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat carefully, ensuring it does not brown and maintain a smooth texture.
- Sauté Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for 1-2 minutes until it becomes fragrant and just begins to turn slightly golden.
- Add Lemon: Stir in the lemon zest and freshly squeezed lemon juice, mixing thoroughly to infuse the butter with bright citrus flavors.
- Incorporate Spices: Sprinkle in the red pepper flakes, then season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, adjusting the heat and seasoning as preferred.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the drained pasta into the skillet and toss well to coat the noodles evenly in the lemon garlic butter mixture.
- Adjust Sauce Consistency: If the sauce seems thick, gradually add the reserved pasta cooking water, stirring until the sauce reaches your desired smoothness and coverage.
- Add Cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts completely and combines into the sauce, enhancing flavor and creaminess.
- Final Seasoning: Taste the pasta and adjust seasoning as necessary, adding more lemon juice or Parmesan if desired for brightness or richness.
- Plate the Pasta: Twirl the pasta onto serving plates or bowls, arranging it attractively for presentation.
- Garnish: Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese on top for a fresh herbal touch and extra flavor depth.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately while warm, ideally accompanied by a green salad or crusty bread for a complete meal experience.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water is essential for adjusting sauce thickness and binding the sauce to the pasta.
- Use unsalted butter to control the salt level precisely.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your heat preference or omit for a milder flavor.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts better and tastes superior to pre-grated options.
- This dish is best enjoyed immediately as the pasta absorbs sauce over time.
