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Italian Lemon Garlic Pasta

Italian Lemon Garlic Pasta – Zesty, Quick & Irresistible Delight

Italian Lemon Garlic Pasta features bright, zesty flavors and can be ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for a quick dinner.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 400
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 ounces Spaghetti Can substitute with linguine, fettuccine, or bucatini.
  • ½ cup Reserved Pasta Water Used to emulsify the sauce.
For the Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter Use vegan butter for dairy-free option.
  • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil Extra can be used for tossing.
  • 4 cloves Garlic Minced; adjust quantity to taste.
  • 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning Can substitute with fresh herbs.
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon Zest Optional to reduce to 1 tsp for milder flavor.
  • 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice Adjust according to taste.
Finishing Touches
  • ½ cup Fresh Parsley Chopped; can substitute with basil.
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt Adjust to taste.
  • ¼ teaspoon Freshly Cracked Black Pepper Adjust to taste.
  • ¼ cup Grated Parmesan Cheese Use a vegan alternative if needed.
  • ¼ teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper Flakes Optional; adjust for spice.

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Skillet
  • Tongs

Method
 

Step‑By‑Step Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. Cook spaghetti for 8–10 minutes until al dente, reserving ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. Melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning and lemon zest, toast for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Pour in 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, let simmer for 1-2 minutes to meld flavors.
  5. Add drained spaghetti to the skillet, toss gently with reserved pasta water until creamy.
  6. Fold in chopped parsley and season with kosher salt and black pepper. Adjust flavors as needed.
  7. Serve hot with grated Parmesan and crushed red pepper flakes if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 10gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 2 months.

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