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Italian Lemon Garlic Pasta

Italian Lemon Garlic Pasta: A Zesty Flavor Explosion

Discover the joy of Italian Lemon Garlic Pasta, a quick and flavorful dish that brings the essence of Italy to your kitchen.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 12 oz Spaghetti Can be swapped for linguine or gluten-free pasta.
For the Sauce
  • 2 tbsp Unsalted Butter Use vegan butter for a creamy vegan option.
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil Enhances flavor; use more when tossing pasta.
  • 6-8 cloves Garlic (minced) Adjust to taste!
  • 1 tsp Italian Seasoning Fresh herbs can amplify the taste.
  • 2 lemons Lemon Zest Reduce for a milder lemon kick.
  • 1 lemon Lemon Juice Can be adjusted to taste.
  • to taste Kosher Salt Tweak to preference.
  • to taste Freshly Cracked Black Pepper Tweak to preference.
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley (chopped) Basil or cilantro work well too.
  • pinch Crushed Red Pepper Flakes Optional for those who enjoy heat.
For Garnishing
  • 1/4 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese Omit for vegan version.
  • 1/2 cup Reserved Pasta Water Essential for a glossy sauce.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Skillet
  • measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons
  • Colander

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook until al dente, about 8–10 minutes. Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining and toss with olive oil to prevent sticking.
  2. Sauté the Garlic: In a skillet over medium-low heat, melt unsalted butter with olive oil. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Infuse the Flavors: Stir in Italian seasoning and lemon zest into the skillet. Cook for an additional 30 seconds.
  4. Make the Lemon Sauce: Pour in lemon juice and simmer for 1–2 minutes. The sauce should thicken but remain pourable.
  5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add cooked spaghetti to the skillet, tossing to coat. Gradually incorporate reserved pasta water until sauce is glossy.
  6. Finish with Herbs: Remove from heat and fold in chopped parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Serve and Garnish: Plate pasta and top with grated Parmesan and crushed red pepper flakes if desired. Serve immediately.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingsCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 12gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 350mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 3gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 100mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat gently with reserved pasta water to restore consistency.

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