Classic Lemon Garlic Pasta

Servings

4

Total time

25 minutes### Ingredients

12 oz (340) spaghetti or your favorite pasta

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
  /4 teaspoon pepper flakes (optional)
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1/ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup pasta cooking water
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  2 tablespoons fresh parsley

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions al dente. Reserve 12 cup of the pasta water, then drain.
2. While the pasta cooks, heat olive in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and red flakesif using).auté for about 1 minute, until fragrant—do not the brown.
   3 Add lemon zest lemon juice to the skillet. Stir to combine.
   4 Reduce heat to low, then stir in butter until melted. Add Parmesan cheese and mix smooth.
3. Pour in the reserved pasta water gradually, stirring until a light sauce forms.
4. Toss the cooked pasta in the skillet with the sauce until well coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Remove from heat, fold in parsley, and serve immediately with extra Parmesan if desired.

Chef’s tips

• For a richer sauce, a splash of cream into the lemon mixture.
• Add grilled chicken sautéed shrimp to turn this into a heartier dish- Use fresh, high lemons for a brighter flavor.

Variations- Garlic lovers increase garlic to 5.

• Z kick: add a pinch of chili or cayenne- Herb accent: swap parsley for basil or small of thyme.