Lemon Garlic Pasta

🕒 Prep: 5 min
🔥 Cook: 10 min
🍽 Serves: 4
★★★★★
Be the First to Review!

If you're in the mood for something light and zesty, this Lemon Garlic Pasta is your answer. It's a quick and easy dish that packs a flavorful punch, perfect for those busy weeknights or a simple weekend lunch.

Ingredients for Lemon Garlic Pasta

Spaghetti serves as the backbone of this dish, providing a hearty base for the flavorful sauce. Use whole wheat or gluten-free if you prefer.

Olive oil is not just for cooking here; it forms part of the sauce, bringing a rich texture and flavor.

Garlic provides a robust, aromatic flavor that complements the lemon perfectly.

Lemon juice and lemon zest give the dish its signature brightness and acidity.

Salt and pepper are essential for seasoning, bringing out the best in the other ingredients.

Parmesan cheese adds a savory, creamy element that ties the dish together.

Fresh parsley offers a pop of color and a hint of freshness to finish the dish.

Tips & Tricks

  • Zest your lemon before juicing it to save time and effort.
  • If the pasta seems dry, add a splash of the pasta cooking water to loosen it up.
  • For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic.

Serving Suggestions

This pasta pairs beautifully with a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette. For a more substantial meal, consider serving it alongside grilled chicken or shrimp. A glass of chilled white wine complements the citrus flavors nicely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use another type of pasta?
Absolutely! Any long pasta, like fettuccine or linguine, would work well.
Can I make this dish vegan?
Yes, just skip the Parmesan or use a vegan cheese alternative.
How can I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove with a little olive oil.

Lemon Garlic Pasta Recipe Walkthrough

Start by cooking the spaghetti according to the package instructions until it's al dente. This should take about 8–10 minutes. Once done, drain it and set it aside while you prepare the sauce.

In a large skillet, heat up the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté it for about a minute, just until it's fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn, or it will taste bitter.

Next, add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet. Toss it well so the pasta is coated with the garlic-infused oil.

Now, stir in the lemon juice and lemon zest. Make sure the zest is evenly distributed to infuse every bite with that citrusy goodness.

Season the dish with salt and pepper to taste. Remember, you can always add more, but you can't take it out, so start with a little and adjust as needed.

Once everything is well combined, remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle the pasta with Parmesan cheese and the fresh parsley right before serving. This will add a touch of creaminess and a fresh finish to your dish.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for a quick meal.
  • Uses simple, pantry-staple ingredients.
  • Bright, citrusy flavor with a garlic kick.
  • Perfectly balanced with the creamy touch of Parmesan.
  • Easy to customize with your favorite add-ins.

Ingredients

8 oz spaghetti
3 tbsp olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
Juice of 1 lemon
Zest of 1 lemon
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
3. Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss with the garlic and olive oil.
4. Stir in the lemon juice and lemon zest, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Remove from heat and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley before serving.

Ratings and Comments

Thank you for your rating!