This Lemon Garlic Pasta delivers a light, bright burst of flavor in every bite. Toss al dente spaghetti in a buttery garlic-lemon sauce with a hint of red pepper flakes for a simple yet elegant meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Customize It with Protein
While this lemon garlic pasta recipe is great on its own, I’ve also made it with shrimp, lobster, and chicken with success. All three options pair beautifully with the bright, buttery flavors of the pasta.
Here’s the recipe for Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta with Lemon Garlic Shrimp, Lobster Pasta, and the Chicken version.
How to Make Lemon Garlic Pasta
Step 1: Cook the pasta al dente according to the directions on the package. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
Step 2: Preheat a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and butter, followed by the garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook and stir for about 30 seconds.
Step 3: Reduce the heat to medium, then add the drained pasta noodles and 1/4 cup of the reserved pasta water. Stir to coat the pasta evenly in the garlic butter sauce.
Step 4: Remove the skillet from the heat and toss with fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and parsley. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Serve immediately for best results.
Recipe Tips and Variations
- Noodles – Most pasta noodles will work in this recipe. Think penne, fettuccine, bucatini, linguine, or angel hair pasta. Even Squid Ink Pasta would be great. For a healthier option, use zucchini noodles.
- Added Texture – Enhance the lobster ravioli recipe with Pangrattato, or crispy prosciutto.
- Parmesan Cheese –Top off the dish with grated parmesan cheese for a cheesy finish.
- Creamy Lemon Garlic Sauce – Mix in 1/4 cup of heavy cream, in place of the reserved water, for a creamy sauce.
- Fresh Herbs – Add flavorful herbs like fresh basil, rosemary, or thyme.
Garlic Lemon Pasta Side Dish Ideas
Here are a few side dish ideas to serve with lemon garlic pasta: Garlic bread, peas, spinach, broccoli, asparagus, sautéed zucchini, green beans, or Brussels sprouts.
Popular Pasta Dishes
Lemon Garlic Pasta
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 392kcal
Cost: $5
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Ingredients
- 8 oz dried pasta (*Note 1)
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
- ¼ cup parsley
- salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
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Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook pasta until al dente (reference the back of the pasta package for exact cook time). Drain, reserving 1 cup of pasta water.
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While the pasta is cooking, pre-heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil and butter. Once melted, add the garlic and red pepper flakes. Stir and cook for 30 seconds.
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Turn the heat down to medium and add the drained pasta noodles and 1/4 cup of the reserved pasta water. Stir until the pasta is well coated with the sauce. Add more reserved pasta water if pasta seems too dry.
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Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the lemon juice and zest and season with salt and pepper, to taste. Transfer to individual serving bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately for best texture.
Notes
Leftover and storage – Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
Calories: 392kcal | Carbohydrates: 46g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 23mg | Sodium: 10mg | Potassium: 202mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 622IU | Vitamin C: 20mg | Calcium: 33mg | Iron: 1mg
