Lemon Garlic Pasta
A bright, buttery pasta that comes together in 20 minutes — perfect for a cozy weeknight when you want something that feels special without the fuss.
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti or linguine
- 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- Zest and juice of 2 lemons
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
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While the pasta cooks, melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant and just golden — about 2 minutes. Don't let it burn!
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Add lemon zest and juice to the skillet. Stir in a splash of pasta water to create a silky sauce.
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Add drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat. Add Parmesan and toss again, adding more pasta water as needed until the sauce clings to every strand.
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Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. Finish with fresh parsley and serve immediately with extra Parmesan on the side.
Bree's Notes
This is my go-to when I'm tired but still want to feel like I made something worth sitting down for. The key is not rushing the garlic — let it get golden and fragrant, and the whole dish transforms.