Lemon Garlic Pasta Dish (Printable)

Zesty pasta with lemon, garlic, and Parmesan, delivering a fresh, bright flavor for easy weeknight meals.

# Ingredient List:

→ Pasta

01 - 12 oz spaghetti or linguine

→ Sauce

02 - 3 tbsp olive oil
03 - 4 large garlic cloves, finely minced
04 - Zest of 1 large lemon
05 - 3 tbsp lemon juice (from 1 large lemon)
06 - 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

→ Finishing

07 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus additional for serving
08 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter
09 - 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
10 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

# Steps:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
03 - Incorporate lemon zest and, if using, crushed red pepper flakes into the skillet. Stir for 30 seconds to release aromas.
04 - Add the drained pasta to the skillet. Pour in lemon juice and 1/2 cup reserved pasta water. Toss thoroughly to coat evenly.
05 - Add butter and Parmesan cheese to the skillet. Toss until butter melts and sauce coats the pasta smoothly. Add more reserved pasta water as needed for desired texture.
06 - Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Stir in chopped parsley. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of lemon zest if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • This pasta feels like a secret from a close friend who knows exactly how to lift your spirits with simple ingredients
  • The perfect balance of tangy lemon and aromatic garlic made it an instant favorite in our home
02 -
  • Never let the garlic brown; it should be fragrant but delicate to avoid bitterness that can overwhelm the dish
  • Reserved pasta water is your liquid gold—it helps bind the sauce and pasta giving it that silky, cohesive texture
03 -
  • Use the freshest lemons you can find—organically grown if possible—for the best zest and juice flavor
  • Gently toss the pasta in the skillet instead of stirring aggressively to prevent breaking the strands and keep the texture perfect

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