Description
This Lemon Garlic Pasta is a bright and simple Mediterranean dish made with olive oil, fresh garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, and Parmesan cheese. Ready in just 25 minutes, this light pasta recipe is perfect for weeknights or elegant dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
- 400 g spaghetti
- 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
- Zest of 1 large lemon
- Juice of 1 large lemon (about 3 tablespoons)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water and drain.
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-low heat.
- Add sliced garlic and cook gently until lightly golden and fragrant.
- Stir in lemon zest, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Add drained pasta and fresh lemon juice. Toss well to coat.
- Add reserved pasta water gradually until sauce becomes silky.
- Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan and parsley. Serve immediately.
Notes
Use fresh lemons for best flavor. Avoid browning the garlic too much to prevent bitterness. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat gently with a splash of olive oil or water.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 15mg