There’s something truly magical about Lemon Butter Pasta. It can be made in a literal snap, has nothing fancy to it, and yet the flavors that come from the tender pasta? You can’t imagine anything better. Herbaceous, bright, and fragrant with notes of garlic and sharp parmesan, Lemon Butter Pasta is a meal that exudes joy from the very first bite!
Ingredients
- 8 ounces dry spaghetti
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- crushed red pepper flakes, to taste, for serving
Directions
Step 1 –Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over medium-high heat.
Step 2 –Cook the spaghetti to al dente, according to the package directions.
Step 3 –Reserve 1/4 cup of the hot pasta water.
Step 4 –Drain the spaghetti and set it aside.
Step 5 –In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter until it sizzles and bubbles, about 1 minute.
Step 6 –Add the minced garlic to the butter and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Step 7 –Add the parsley, the parmesan cheese, the lemon juice, and the reserved pasta water to the butter mixture and stir well until smooth.
Step 8 –Bring the butter mixture to a simmer.
Step 9 –Add the spaghetti to the butter mixture and toss to combine.
Step 10 –Season the butter mixture with the salt and the pepper.
Step 11 –Serve immediately topped with the crushed red pepper flakes.
