Fresh, vibrant, and bursting with flavor, this Italian Lemon Garlic Pasta is perfect for quick weeknight dinners or elegant meals with friends. Al dente spaghetti tossed in a tangy lemon-garlic sauce, enhanced with aromatic herbs, delivers restaurant-quality taste in under 30 minutes.
Whether you’re craving a light summer dish or a comforting carb-filled bowl, this recipe balances richness with zest in every bite.
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti (or linguine, fettuccine, bucatini)
- ½ cup reserved pasta water
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 tbsp olive oil (+ extra for tossing pasta)
- 6–8 garlic cloves, minced (~2 tbsp)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Zest of 2 lemons (~2 tbsp)
- Juice of 1 lemon (~2 tbsp)
- ⅓ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti until al dente (8–10 minutes). Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining. Toss the drained pasta with a drizzle of olive oil and set aside.
2. Sauté the Garlic
In a large skillet over medium-low heat, melt butter with olive oil. Add minced garlic and sauté 1–2 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden (avoid browning).
3. Infuse the Flavors
Add Italian seasoning and lemon zest, toasting for 30 seconds to release their aroma.
4. Make the Lemon Sauce
Stir in lemon juice and let it simmer 1–2 minutes, blending with the butter and olive oil.
5. Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat. Gradually add reserved pasta water, 2–3 tbsp at a time, stirring constantly. This emulsifies the sauce for a glossy, cohesive coating.
6. Finish with Herbs and Seasoning
Remove from heat. Fold in chopped parsley, season with salt and pepper, and adjust lemon flavor if needed.
7. Serve and Garnish
Plate the pasta and top with grated Parmesan and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes if desired. Serve immediately while hot.
Tips for Perfect Lemon Garlic Pasta
- Fresh lemons matter: Skip bottled juice; fresh lemon juice and zest give the brightest flavor.
- Control garlic heat: Keep heat low to avoid bitterness.
- Emulsify the sauce: Slowly adding pasta water ensures the sauce clings to each noodle.
- Garnish generously: Parmesan adds depth, red pepper flakes provide a subtle kick.
- Optional add-ins: Sautéed shrimp, grilled chicken, or cherry tomatoes make it a heartier meal.
Why This Recipe Works
The buttery garlic base is comforting, while lemon juice and zest provide a refreshing tang. Fresh parsley adds a herbal finish, and emulsifying the sauce with pasta water ensures a smooth, glossy coating that hugs every strand of spaghetti.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with crusty garlic bread to soak up the sauce.
- Add a peppery arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette for a fresh contrast.
- Complement with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
Storing & Reheating
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth. Avoid microwaving to prevent gummy noodles.
FAQs
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free pasta and check that all seasonings are gluten-free.
Can I make it vegan?
Replace butter with vegan butter or extra olive oil, and skip or swap Parmesan with a plant-based alternative.
Is it too lemony?
Reduce lemon zest to 1 tbsp and add juice gradually to suit your taste.
Simple, satisfying, and full of bright, zesty flavor—this lemon garlic pasta is a must-try for any pasta lover.