Lemon Butter Garlic Pasta

Lemon butter garlic pasta takes me back to one evening when I was craving something comforting yet bright and I found a lemon sitting on my counter just waiting to be used so I decided to toss it with pasta, butter, and garlic and it turned out to be one of the most refreshing and satisfying meals I’ve ever made. I still remember twirling that first forkful and tasting the silky sauce with a burst of lemon and it instantly lifted my mood and made me feel like I was dining in a cozy little Italian kitchen.

Ever since then this lemon butter garlic pasta has become my favorite dish when I need a quick dinner that feels special so it always brings a little sunshine to my table and I can’t wait for you to experience that same bright, happy feeling with every bite.

Ingredients

• Here’s what I use for this recipe. You can always make substitutions if you prefer!
• Spaghetti or linguine – The perfect noodles to soak up all the buttery, garlicky sauce.
• Butter – The creamy base that makes the sauce rich and silky.
• Olive oil – Adds depth and helps coat the pasta evenly.
• Garlic – Brings a bold, savory flavor that shines through.
• Lemon juice – The star ingredient that brightens the entire dish.
• Lemon zest – Adds extra citrusy aroma and a fresh kick.
• Parmesan cheese – Gives a salty, nutty finish to the pasta.
• Fresh parsley – Brings a pop of color and a touch of earthiness.
• Salt and black pepper – Essential for balancing all the flavors.

Tools You’ll Need

• Large pot – For boiling the pasta until perfectly al dente.
• Large skillet or sauté pan – To create and toss the sauce with the pasta.
• Zester or microplane – For that fine lemon zest.
• Tongs – To toss the pasta easily in the sauce.
• Ladle or measuring cup – To save pasta water for the sauce.

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the pasta

I start by boiling a large pot of salted water and cooking the spaghetti or linguine until al dente. Before draining, I save about a cup of the starchy pasta water to help make the sauce silky.

Step 2: Sauté the garlic

While the pasta cooks, I melt butter with a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. I add minced garlic and sauté it until fragrant, making sure not to let it brown.

Step 3: Add lemon

I stir in fresh lemon juice and zest, letting the mixture bubble slightly so the flavors meld together beautifully.

Step 4: Toss the pasta

I add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet along with a splash of pasta water. Using tongs, I toss everything until the noodles are evenly coated and glossy.

Step 5: Finish with cheese and herbs

I sprinkle in grated Parmesan cheese and toss again until it melts into the sauce. Finally, I add chopped parsley and season generously with salt and freshly cracked black pepper.

Step 6: Serve

I plate the pasta immediately and top with extra cheese, lemon zest, and a few parsley leaves for that final fresh touch.

Tips

If you want to make it extra special, I recommend adding a handful of baby spinach or arugula for some greens. You can also top it with grilled shrimp or chicken for extra protein. Using high quality butter and freshly squeezed lemon juice really makes a difference in the final flavor.

Ways to Serve

I love serving lemon butter garlic pasta with a crisp green salad and warm, crusty bread to soak up any extra sauce. It also pairs wonderfully with a chilled glass of white wine for a simple yet elegant dinner.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make lemon butter garlic pasta ahead of time?

It’s best served fresh, but you can prep the sauce ingredients ahead and cook everything quickly when ready to eat.

Can I use gluten free pasta?

Yes! Any pasta you like works well in lemon butter garlic pasta just follow the package instructions.

How do I store leftovers?

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of water or extra lemon juice.

See You in the Kitchen

I hope you give this lemon butter garlic pasta a try! It’s one of those dishes that always brightens up my day and I’m sure it’ll do the same for you. Let me know how it turns out and feel free to share your creative twists below! Don’t forget to save this recipe for when you need a quick and cheerful pasta night.

Happy Cooking!