Description
A quick and easy lemon pasta recipe that can be prepared in just 20 minutes, perfect for a delightful meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant but not browned.
- Add the lemon zest and juice to the skillet, followed by the red pepper flakes if using. Stir to combine and let it cook for another minute.
- Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet and toss to coat in the lemon-garlic mixture. If the pasta seems dry, gradually add reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss until everything is well combined and the cheese is melted.
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan if desired.
Notes
- For a vegan version, omit the Parmesan cheese or use a vegan alternative.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes based on your spice preference.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: Quick and Easy Lemon Pasta, Lemon Pasta, 20-Minute Meal, Italian Pasta Recipe