If you’re searching for an easy, delicious, and quick meal, this Lemon Butter Pasta recipe is a perfect choice. With only a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, you’ll have a rich, flavorful dish on the table in just 20 minutes! Whether you’re a fan of Pasta With Few Ingredients or crave the zest of lemon combined with buttery goodness, this recipe is sure to hit the spot.
Ingredients for the Lemon Butter Pasta Recipe
To make this Lemon Butter Pasta recipe, you’ll need the following:
- 12 oz spaghetti or linguine
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon (zested and juiced)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Step-by-Step Guide for the Lemon Butter Pasta Recipe
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti or linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Prepare the Lemon Butter Sauce: While the pasta is cooking, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the olive oil and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
- Add Lemon Flavor: Stir in the lemon zest, juice, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the butter and garlic mixture. Cook for another minute, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss it with the lemon butter sauce. If the pasta seems dry, add some reserved pasta water a little at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
- Season and Garnish: Remove from heat, then stir in the Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Pro Tip:
For a more indulgent version of this Lemon Butter Pasta recipe, add a splash of heavy cream to the sauce for a creamier texture. You can also toss in some grilled chicken or shrimp for added protein.
Variations of Lemon Butter Pasta Recipe
This recipe can be adapted to suit different tastes and dietary needs. Here are some popular variations:
1. Pasta With Few Ingredients
This Lemon Butter Pasta recipe is already a minimalist’s dream, but if you’re looking for even fewer ingredients, you can skip the Parmesan and red pepper flakes, keeping it simple with just butter, lemon, garlic, and pasta.
2. Pasta in Butter Garlic Sauce
For a more classic approach, try the Pasta in Butter Garlic Sauce variation by increasing the amount of garlic and butter. This turns the dish into a rich, garlicky delight that pairs beautifully with any pasta.
3. Garlic Spaghetti Noodles
If you love garlic, double the garlic in this Lemon Butter Pasta recipe to make Garlic Spaghetti Noodles. This will infuse even more flavor into each bite while still retaining the refreshing zing of lemon.
4. Herb and Butter Pasta
Add fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme to your Lemon Butter Pasta for an Herb and Butter Pasta variation. The herbs elevate the flavor and complement the bright lemon notes.
Easy Butter Garlic Sauce for Pasta
If you want to make an Easy Butter Garlic Sauce for Pasta, follow the base recipe of this Lemon Butter Pasta recipe, but omit the lemon. Simply melt butter and sauté garlic, and you have a versatile sauce that works with any pasta type.
Additional Tips for Making the Best Lemon Butter Pasta Recipe
- Pasta Choice: This recipe works well with any long pasta, like spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine. If you prefer shorter pasta, penne or farfalle are excellent alternatives.
- Parmesan Cheese: Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor. Avoid the pre-packaged grated versions as they don’t melt as well into the sauce.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice gives the dish its bright, tangy flavor. Avoid bottled lemon juice for this recipe.
Lemon Butter Pasta for Meal Prep
If you’re meal prepping, this Lemon Butter Pasta recipe is a great option. Here’s how to store and reheat it:
- Storing: Place leftover pasta in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, add a splash of water or extra butter to the pasta and warm it in a skillet over medium heat until heated through.
Conclusion
This Lemon Butter Pasta recipe is the perfect quick meal when you’re craving something delicious and satisfying. With its simple ingredients and easy steps, you can make a restaurant-quality dish right in your kitchen. Whether you’re keeping it minimal or customizing it with your favorite add-ins, this recipe will soon become a staple in your home.
FAQs About Lemon Butter Pasta Recipe
1. Can I make Lemon Butter Pasta with gluten-free pasta?
Yes, you can substitute regular pasta with gluten-free pasta. Just follow the package instructions for cooking.
2. Can I add protein to this Lemon Butter Pasta recipe?
Absolutely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even seared scallops would pair wonderfully with the lemon butter sauce.
3. What other herbs work well with Lemon Butter Pasta?
Basil, parsley, and thyme all work great in this dish. They enhance the freshness of the lemon and butter.
4. Can I make this recipe vegan?
You can make a vegan version by substituting butter with vegan butter and using nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese.
5. Is there a way to make this dish spicier?
If you like spice, increase the red pepper flakes or add a drizzle of hot sauce for an extra kick.
