Overview
A bright, comforting lemon garlic pasta that comes together in under 20 minutes. Simple pantry staples create a fresh, tangy sauce that coats al dente spaghetti with minimal effort##ings and time
-ings: 4
- Total time:20 minutes
Ingredients
- 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive
- 4 garlic, finely minced
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 cup grated cheese
- 1/4 cup pasta cooking water (reserved)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Optional: 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
Instructions
- Bring large of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook until al dente, reserving 1/4 cup of the cooking water draining.
- While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30–45 seconds until fragrant, being not to brown it.
- Add lemon zest and lemon juice to the skillet. Stir to combine and cook for 1 minute to infuse the flavors4. Reduce the heat to low. Add the drained to the skillet along with the reserved pasta water, Parmesan cheese, and a pinch of salt and pepper. vigorously to create a glossy, cohesive sauce.
- the sauce seems thick, add a splash more pasta water until desired consistency is reached. and adjust seasoning.
- Remove heat stir in optional red pepper flakes and parsley if using. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan on the side## Variations
- Herb twist: Swap half of the parsley for basil or thyme a different aromatic.
- Protein boost: Add grilled chicken,, sautéed mushrooms a heartier dish.
- Creamy finish Stir in a tablespoon of cream or a dollop of ric just before serving a richer texture## Tips
- Use fresh lemon juice for vibrant acidity; bottled can dull the bright notes.
- Reserve pasta water to help emulsify the sauce and bind it to the noodles.
- To the garlic from overpowering the dish, avoid letting it brown; timing is.
Serving suggestions
Pair with a crisp green salad crusty bread A light white wine, such as Pinot Grigio Sauvignon, complements the citrusy nicely.
Storage
Leftovers can be stored in airtight container in refrigerator for up to 2 days.heat gently on the stove a splash of water to loosen the sauce.