Quick Description
This Lemon Butter Garlic Pasta is a deliciously simple and light dish that combines linguine or spaghetti with a rich, buttery sauce infused with garlic, lemon, and a touch of heat from red chili flakes. Topped with Parmesan and fresh parsley, it’s the perfect meal for any occasion.
Servings & Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients List
- 300 g (10.5 oz) linguine or spaghetti
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 40 g (2 tablespoons) unsalted butter
- 6 garlic cloves, finely sliced
- ½ teaspoon red chili flakes
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 50 g (½ cup) grated Parmesan (or veggie hard Italian cheese for a dairy-free option)
- A handful freshly chopped parsley
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
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Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine or spaghetti and cook until al dente, following the package instructions.
- Reserve 1–2 cups of pasta water before draining.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
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Heat the Oil and Butter:
- While the pasta is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pan or Dutch oven over low-medium heat.
- Add the unsalted butter and melt it, allowing it to mix with the oil.
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Sauté the Garlic and Chili Flakes:
- Stir in the sliced garlic and red chili flakes. Cook for 1–2 minutes, until the garlic begins to change color but be careful not to burn it. The garlic should become fragrant and golden.
Step 3: Combine the Pasta and Sauce
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Toss the Pasta:
- Add the cooked pasta directly to the pan with the garlic butter sauce. Toss well with kitchen tongs to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
- If the sauce looks too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until you reach the desired consistency.
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Add Lemon and Cheese:
- Stir in the lemon zest and lemon juice, then add the grated Parmesan. Toss again to combine, allowing the cheese to melt into the sauce.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
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Garnish and Season:
- Add the freshly chopped parsley, and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately, topped with extra grated Parmesan and more lemon zest if desired.
Additional Notes
- Pasta Options: You can use any type of pasta you prefer. This recipe works great with spaghetti, linguine, or even zoodles for a low-carb alternative.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red chili flakes depending on how spicy you like your food.
- Vegan/Dairy-Free Option: For a vegan option, replace the butter with vegan butter and use nutritional yeast or a dairy-free Parmesan for the cheese.
- Adding Protein: You can add cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu for extra protein.
Dietary Info
- Low-Carb (if using a low-carb pasta option)
- Vegetarian-Friendly (if using dairy-based cheese)
- Gluten-Free Option (if using gluten-free pasta)
- Contains Dairy (if using Parmesan)
Ingredient Details & Substitutions
- Olive Oil & Butter: You can substitute ghee or avocado oil for the olive oil if preferred.
- Lemon: For added zest, you can also stir in a small amount of lemon zest into the sauce along with the juice.
Recipe Variations & Serving Suggestions
- Add Veggies: Toss in some sautéed spinach, zucchini noodles, or roasted broccoli for added flavor and nutrition.
- Serve with a Side Salad: Pair with a simple green salad or a Caesar salad to balance out the richness of the pasta.
- Use Other Cheeses: Instead of Parmesan, try using Pecorino Romano or Asiago for a different flavor profile.
Storage & Make-Ahead
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Reheat in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of pasta water or broth to restore the creaminess.
- Freeze: Freezing the pasta is not ideal, as the sauce may separate, but you can freeze the pasta and sauce separately.
Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Protein: 10 g
- Fat: 25 g
- Carbs: 10 g
- Net Carbs: 7 g
- Fiber: 3 g
FAQs
Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free pasta to make it a gluten-free dish.
Q: Can I make the sauce creamier?
Yes, you can add a little heavy cream to make the sauce richer and creamier.
Q: Can I make this in advance?
You can prep the sauce and pasta separately, then combine and heat when ready to serve.
Optional Personal Story
This Lemon Butter Garlic Pasta is one of my favorite weeknight meals! It’s light, fresh, and comes together in no time. The lemon gives it such a refreshing taste, and the garlic butter is simply irresistible. It’s a recipe that’s always a hit!
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Try this Lemon Butter Garlic Pasta tonight for a quick and flavorful meal that everyone will love. It’s easy, delicious, and the perfect dish for any occasion!
