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Delicious Lemon Garlic Pasta topped with fresh garlic and lemon zest.

Lemon Garlic Pasta

A quick and flavorful pasta dish that's bright with lemon and garlicky goodness, perfect for busy nights.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 8 ounces spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine
  • 4-6 cloves garlic, minced Yes, really
  • 1 large lemon, zest and juice Or use 2 small lemons
  • 3 tablespoons butter Can substitute with olive oil
  • 1-2 tablespoons olive oil Optional but nice
  • 1 cup parmesan, finely grated Plus more for topping
  • to taste salt and black pepper
  • to taste red pepper flakes Optional, for a tiny kick
  • to taste fresh parsley Optional, for garnish

Method
 

Cooking the Pasta
  1. Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until just tender, then scoop out about 1 to 1.5 cups of pasta water before draining.
Preparing the Sauce
  1. Melt butter in a large pan over medium-low heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 to 60 seconds, just until fragrant—do not let it brown.
  2. Stir in the lemon zest followed by the lemon juice. Reduce heat to low.
  3. Add the drained pasta to the pan, followed by about 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water, and toss together.
  4. Sprinkle in the grated parmesan cheese a handful at a time while tossing; adjust with more pasta water for a glossy, creamy consistency.
  5. Season with black pepper and taste for salt.
Finishing Touches
  1. Garnish with fresh parsley and red pepper flakes if desired. Top with extra parmesan and a pinch of lemon zest if preferred.

Notes

This dish is best served fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.