Indulge in the simplicity and flavor of Lemon Butter Pasta – it’s a breeze to prepare, both satisfying and light, and bursting with delightful taste. This spaghetti dish offers a delectable twist on the classic buttered noodles, with the zesty kick of garlic and lemon elevating it to a whole new level of deliciousness. You’ll be amazed at how a handful of simple ingredients can combine to create such a culinary delight. And the icing on the cake? It’s on the table in just 15 minutes, prep included. Say hello to weeknight dinners made utterly scrumptious.
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WHY WILL YOU ENJOY LEMON BUTTER PASTA?
- It’s quick and easy. There’s nothing quite as gratifying as returning home after a long day and effortlessly whipping up dinner in just 15 minutes. Yes, you read that right. This Lemon Butter Pasta recipe is a breeze, requiring only a handful of ingredients to go from prep to plate. And if you opt for a quick-cooking pasta like angel hair, you can slash that time in half.
- Loaded with flavour and delicious. This Lemon Butter Pasta isn’t your run-of-the-mill buttered noodles. With the addition of garlic, zesty lemon juice, fresh parsley, and optional chili flakes for a touch of heat, it undergoes a mouthwatering transformation, delivering an explosion of irresistible Flavors.
- The kids love it: It’s a well-known fact that kids adore buttered pasta, and this version is no exception. It’s not only easy on the taste buds but also kid-friendly, especially when you omit the chili flakes (and perhaps the parsley if your little one isn’t too keen on anything green.).
Recipe Video:
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces of your favourite pasta (such as spaghetti or fettuccine)
- 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup of heavy cream
- 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- Season the dish with a pinch of salt and a dash of freshly ground black pepper to your liking.
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped, for garnish
- Lemon slices, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
step 1. Cook the Pasta
- In a big saucepan, bring generously salted water to a vigorous boil.
- Follow the pasta package instructions, cooking until it’s perfectly al dente.
- After cooking, drain the pasta and keep it to the side.
step 2. Prepare the Lemon Butter Sauce
- Melt the butter in a big pan under medium heat.
- Now, toss in the minced garlic and sauté it for roughly 1 minute, or until it becomes fragrant and takes on a light golden hue.
- Stir in the lemon zest and lemon juice, letting the Flavors meld for another minute.
- Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine with the lemony butter mixture.
- Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and continue to stir until the sauce thickens and the cheese is fully melted.
- Adjust the sauce’s seasoning with a sprinkle of salt and a twist of freshly ground black pepper to suit your taste preferences.
step 3. Combine Pasta and Sauce
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the lemon butter sauce.
- Gently toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy lemony goodness.
step 4. Garnish and Serve
- Transfer the Lemon Butter Pasta to serving plates.
- Sprinkle fresh basil leaves over the top for a burst of colour and flavour.
- If desired, garnish with lemon slices for an extra touch of citrusy flair.
step 5. Enjoy
- Serve your Lemon Butter Pasta immediately while it’s hot and serve the delightful combination of zesty lemon and creamy butter. It’s a simple yet elegant pasta dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
This Lemon Butter Pasta is a refreshing twist on a classic, offering a burst of bright and tangy Flavors that’s sure to delight your taste buds.
Nutrition Information:
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving |
| Serving Size | 1/4 of the recipe |
| Calories | 380 |
| Total Fat | 24g |
| – Saturated Fat | 14g |
| Cholesterol | 65mg |
| Sodium | 380mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 32g |
| – Dietary Fiber | 2g |
| – Sugars | 2g |
| Protein | 9g |
Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on the specific brands of ingredients used and portion sizes.
SERVING DIRECTIONS FOR LEMON PASTA
When it comes to savouring this delightful lemon pasta, the culinary options for delightful companions are boundless. Here are some of my beloved choices to serve alongside this pasta:
- Peach Arugula Salad: A vibrant salad that marries the sweet succulence of peaches with the peppery charm of arugula.
- Garlic Bread sticks: Soft, garlicky breadsticks that perfectly complement the testiness of your lemon-infused pasta.
- Lemon Parmesan Asparagus: Tender asparagus spears, kissed by the tangy allure of lemon and adorned with Parmesan cheese.
- Garlic Butter Salmon: Succulent salmon fillets bathed in a luscious garlic butter sauce, creating a harmonious duet with your pasta.
- Pesto Green Beans: Crisp green beans enveloped in a basil-infused pesto, providing a burst of herbal flavour to your meal.
- Garlic Knots: Irresistible, knotted rolls of baked bread, glistening with a garlic butter glaze, making them the perfect companion to your pasta dish.
These pairings create a harmonious blend of tastes and textures, elevating your lemon pasta experience and guaranteeing a meal that’s not only unforgettable but also incredibly appetizing.
Health Benefits of Lemon Butter Pasta:
- Quick and Easy Nutrition: With a preparation time of just 15 minutes, this Lemon Butter Pasta offers a quick and convenient way to enjoy a satisfying meal, making it an ideal choice for busy days.
- Balanced Flavors and Ingredients: The dish combines the rich taste of butter with the zesty kick of garlic and lemon, creating a burst of delightful flavors. The addition of optional chili flakes provides a touch of heat, ensuring a well-balanced taste experience.
- Simple and Nutrient-Rich Components: Incorporating basic yet wholesome ingredients such as garlic, lemon, and fresh basil, this pasta provides a range of nutrients, including antioxidants and vitamins.
- Kid-Friendly Option: The appeal of buttered pasta is well-known among children, and this Lemon Butter Pasta caters to their taste buds while remaining kid-friendly. Omitting chili flakes and adjusting seasonings makes it suitable for younger palates.
- Versatility in Pasta Choices: The recipe suggests using your favorite pasta, allowing you to choose whole wheat or gluten-free options for added nutritional benefits and dietary preferences.
- Moderate Caloric Content: Each serving, comprising approximately 380 calories, offers a moderate caloric intake, making it a suitable choice for those mindful of their calorie consumption.
- Protein and Fiber: The dish contains 9g of protein and 2g of dietary fiber per serving, contributing to feelings of satiety and supporting overall digestive health.
Incorporate this Lemon Butter Pasta into your culinary repertoire for a delightful and nourishing dining experience that combines simplicity, flavor, and health-conscious choices.
STORING INSTRUCTIONS:
- Storage Tips: To store any leftover lemon butter pasta, pop it in an airtight container and keep it snug in the fridge for a comfy stay of 4-5 days. A handy tip: let the pasta cool down to room temperature before tucking it away; this prevents any sneaky condensation from forming inside the container.
- Reheating Guidance: If you’re ready to enjoy your pasta once more, reheating is a breeze. Simply place the pasta in a microwave-safe dish with a cover, leaving a vent for steam to escape. Warm it up in short 30-second bursts on medium to low heat, stirring occasionally until it’s heated through. Alternatively, you can rekindle the pasta’s Flavors on the stove over medium-low heat. If the sauce seems a tad thick, don’t hesitate to add a splash of water to bring it back to the perfect consistency.
FAQ’s
Q. What is lemon butter pasta?
Lemon butter pasta is a simple and flavorful dish made with pasta, butter, and fresh lemon juice. It’s often finished with a bit of garlic, parmesan cheese, and herbs like parsley to enhance the taste. The tangy lemon and creamy butter create a light yet delicious sauce that coats the pasta perfectly.
Q. What type of pasta is best for lemon butter pasta?
Any pasta works well with lemon butter sauce, but fettuccine, spaghetti, or linguine are popular choices. These pasta types have enough surface area to hold the creamy, citrusy sauce. You can use your favorite pasta shape, though, based on your personal preference.
Q. Can I add vegetables or protein to lemon butter pasta?
Absolutely, Lemon butter pasta is versatile. You can add sautéed vegetables like spinach, asparagus, or broccoli for extra flavor and nutrition. If you prefer a protein boost, grilled chicken, shrimp, or even salmon pair wonderfully with this dish.
Q. How do you make lemon butter pasta without the sauce separating?
To avoid the sauce separating, make sure to use room temperature butter and pasta water. When combining the butter and pasta, add a little pasta water at a time, stirring constantly to create a smooth, emulsified sauce. The starch in the pasta water helps bind the sauce together.
Q. Can lemon butter pasta be made ahead of time?
While the dish is best served fresh, you can prepare the pasta and sauce separately and store them in the fridge for up to a day. When ready to serve, simply reheat and toss together. If the sauce needs a little smoothing out, add a splash of pasta water or extra butter.
Q. What other flavors can I add to lemon butter pasta?
For added depth of flavor, you can experiment with ingredients like garlic, red pepper flakes for a bit of heat, or fresh herbs like basil or thyme. A sprinkle of parmesan cheese adds richness, while a zest of lemon can enhance the citrusy kick. It’s a customizable dish that works with a variety of flavors.
