Easy Lemon Garlic Pasta Recipe

Lemon Garlic Pasta is like a warm hug on a plate, with its zesty aroma wafting through the kitchen and coaxing everyone to the table. The tender strands of pasta twirl around your fork like they’re doing a little dance, coated in a luscious garlic-infused olive oil that promises to brighten up even the dullest of days.

This dish brings back memories of lazy Sunday afternoons spent lingering over lunch with friends, laughter mixing with the tangy scent of lemon zest. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply craving comfort food at home, Lemon Garlic Pasta is your go-to recipe for any occasion. Get ready for an explosion of flavor that will have your taste buds doing cartwheels!

I remember the first time I made Lemon Garlic Pasta for my family; their eyes lit up like it was Christmas morning! They devoured every last bite and begged for seconds.

Essential Ingredients

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

• Spaghetti: Use fresh or dried spaghetti; both yield delightful textures when cooked al dente.
• Fresh Garlic: Choose firm garlic cloves for maximum flavor; they bring warmth and depth to the dish.
• Fresh Lemon Juice: The star ingredient adds brightness; opt for juicy lemons to enhance the taste.
• Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for rich flavor; it’s perfect for sautéing the garlic.
• Parmesan Cheese: Grate fresh Parmesan on top for a savory finish; it melts beautifully into the pasta.
• Fresh Parsley: Chop finely for garnish; it adds color and freshness to every serving.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional but recommended if you enjoy some heat; just a pinch can elevate the dish!

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

Let’s Make it together

Cook the Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil over high heat. Add spaghetti and cook until al dente according to package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes.

Sauté the Garlic: While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant but not browned, about 1-2 minutes.

Add Lemon Juice and Zest: Once the garlic releases its aroma, pour in fresh lemon juice along with lemon zest. Stir well, letting those citrus notes mingle as they brighten up your kitchen.

Toss Together with Spaghetti: Drain spaghetti but reserve some pasta water. Add spaghetti directly into skillet and toss well with the garlic-lemon mixture until fully coated.

Finish with Cheese and Parsley: Remove skillet from heat and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta while tossing again. Garnish generously with chopped parsley before serving.

Adjust Consistency if Needed: If your sauce feels too thick, add reserved pasta water one tablespoon at a time until you reach desired consistency.

And voilà! You’ve just created an incredible plate of Lemon Garlic Pasta that not only tastes amazing but also makes your kitchen smell heavenly!

Enjoy this dish hot and watch how quickly plates get emptied!

Now you’re armed with everything you need – delicious flavors, impressive presentation skills (you’ll be receiving compliments), and perhaps even an unexpected dance party while cooking! Enjoy every bite of your culinary masterpiece!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by boiling the pasta while sautéing garlic in olive oil. Combine them quickly for best flavor absorption.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap the pasta type or add veggies like spinach or cherry tomatoes for extra color and nutrition.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat on low heat, adding a splash of water to revive creaminess.

I remember making this lemon garlic pasta for my friends during a spontaneous dinner party. One bite in, and they were all convinced I had secret culinary powers!

FAQ

Can I use gluten-free pasta for lemon garlic pasta?

Absolutely! Gluten-free pasta works well; just adjust cooking time based on package directions.

What can I serve with lemon garlic pasta?

Pair it with grilled chicken or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Yes! It stores well and tastes even better after the flavors meld overnight in the fridge.

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

📖 Recipe Card

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Lemon Garlic Pasta

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• Author: mydishtoday
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Lemon Garlic Pasta is a vibrant dish that combines zesty lemon and aromatic garlic for a delightful meal in just 20 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests!

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Ingredients

• Spaghetti (fresh or dried)
• Fresh garlic
• Fresh lemon juice and zest
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley
• Red pepper flakes (optional)

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Instructions

1. Cook spaghetti in salted boiling water until al dente (8-10 minutes).
2. While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant (1-2 minutes).
3. Add fresh lemon juice and zest to the skillet, stirring to combine.
4. Drain spaghetti, reserving some pasta water, and add it to the skillet. Toss with the lemon-garlic mixture until fully coated.
5. Remove from heat and mix in grated Parmesan cheese. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
6. Adjust consistency with reserved pasta water if needed.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
• Calories: 460
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 320mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 62g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 14g
• Cholesterol: 10mg