Zesty Lemon Butter Pasta

Lemon Butter Pasta is like a warm hug on a plate; it wraps you in its zesty embrace and whispers sweet nothings of creamy goodness. Picture this: a vibrant, sun-kissed dish that glistens with the promise of buttery richness and tangy lemon, sending your taste buds into a joyful dance. creamy orzo recipes Every forkful is a celebration, as the pasta twirls happily in its silky sauce, and the aroma wafts through your kitchen like an invitation to indulge.

This dish isn’t just food; it’s an experience that transports you to sunlit terraces overlooking the Mediterranean. I fondly recall the first time I made Lemon Butter Pasta for friends on a Friday night. As they took their first bites, their eyes widened in delight—one even exclaimed, “This tastes like happiness!” Trust me; you’ll want to whip this up for cozy dinners or spontaneous get-togethers that need a touch of culinary magic. garlic-infused bread.

I remember my cousin’s face lighting up when I served this at her birthday dinner—she couldn’t stop complimenting the creamy sauce!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Pasta: Use your favorite type; spaghetti or fettuccine works wonderfully for capturing that luscious sauce.
• Unsalted Butter: Opt for high-quality butter for rich flavor that elevates the dish.
• Fresh Garlic: Mince fresh garlic cloves for an aromatic kick that enhances the overall taste.
• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds brightness and balances the richness of the butter.
• Lemon Zest: Grate the outer peel of the lemon for an extra punch of citrus flavor.
• Parmesan Cheese: Grate fresh Parmesan to sprinkle on top—because cheese makes everything better! vegetable cheese bites.
• Salt and Pepper: Season to taste and ensure every bite sings with flavor.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Cook the Pasta: Start by boiling a large pot of salted water over high heat. Add your pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente; drain it well, but don’t rinse! This keeps some starch for sauce clinginess.

Sauté Garlic in Butter: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt unsalted butter until bubbly. Toss in minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute—don’t let it brown too much! Your kitchen will smell amazing.

Add Lemon Juice and Zest: Once your garlic is fragrant, squeeze in fresh lemon juice and add grated lemon zest. Stir well to combine those zesty flavors with buttery goodness; you’ll feel like a culinary superstar.

Toss in Pasta and Cheese: Add cooked pasta directly into the skillet and toss everything together. Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese into the mix; as it melts, it’ll create a creamy coating that hugs every noodle.

Season and Serve: Taste your creation; season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan on top and maybe some lemon wedges on the side—because why not?

Enjoy this delightful Lemon Butter Pasta while basking in compliments from friends or family—it’s basically guaranteed! hearty pasta casserole.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by boiling your pasta in salted water, then prepare the lemon butter sauce simultaneously. This ensures everything comes together seamlessly and stays fresh.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to add vegetables, like spinach or cherry tomatoes, for color and nutrition. You can also swap traditional pasta for whole grain or gluten-free options. For more inspiration, check out this chicken sausages with pasta recipe.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover Lemon Butter Pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water to restore creaminess. For more inspiration, check out this lemon blueberry bread recipe.

Cooking Lemon Butter Pasta always reminds me of a dinner party where my friends devoured it within minutes, asking for seconds faster than I could serve!

FAQ

Can I use other types of pasta?

Absolutely! Any pasta shape works well; just adjust cooking times accordingly.

How can I make this dish vegetarian?

Simply omit any meat and load up on fresh veggies for added flavor.

Can I add protein to Lemon Butter Pasta?

Chicken, shrimp, or tofu are excellent additions for extra heartiness.

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

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Lemon Butter Pasta

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• Author: Gordon Calloway
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Lemon Butter Pasta is a vibrant and creamy dish that combines the zesty brightness of fresh lemon with rich, luxurious butter. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous get-togethers, offering a delightful burst of flavor that will leave everyone at the table smiling. With just a few essential ingredients, you can create a restaurant-quality meal in no time!

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Ingredients

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• 8 oz spaghetti or fettuccine
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain without rinsing.
2. Sauté Garlic: In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter until bubbly. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add Lemon: Stir in lemon juice and zest, mixing well to combine.
4. Combine: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss with the sauce. Sprinkle in Parmesan cheese and mix until creamy.
5. Season: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper before serving.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Boiling/Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 plate (about 250g)
• Calories: 540
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 400mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 18g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 12g
• Cholesterol: 70mg