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Lemon Garlic Butter Pasta with creamy sauce, golden edges, and fresh herbs in a white dish

Lemon Garlic Butter Pasta

Silky pasta tossed in a bright lemon garlic butter sauce with fresh herbs and parmesan cheese. A restaurant-quality dish ready in just 20 minutes.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 485
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz linguine or spaghetti
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 6 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons lemon zest
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil and cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
  3. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Add the drained pasta to the skillet along with remaining 4 tablespoons butter, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
  5. Toss pasta vigorously, adding pasta water gradually until sauce coats the noodles smoothly.
  6. Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, salt, and black pepper.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning with more lemon juice, salt, or pepper as needed.
  8. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley.

Notes

Save some pasta water - the starch helps create a silky sauce. Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor. Leftovers keep in the fridge for 3 days but are best enjoyed fresh.