YumVerseEats
Italian & Mediterranean
Lemon Garlic Pasta
Bright lemon and garlic come together in a simple pasta that’s fresh, light, and satisfying.
RECIPE AT A GLANCE
10
min
Active Time
20
min
Total Time
4
SERVINGS
Stovetop
METHOD
Why It Works
Bright flavors with pantry ingredients.
Ingredients
Seasoning
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
Sauce
• 1 large lemon, juiced and zested
• ½ cup parmesan, grated
• 1 cup reserved pasta water
Pasta & Grains
• 1 lb spaghetti, linguine, or angel hair
How to Make It
1
Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining.
2
Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat until it foams. Reduce to low, add lemon zest and garlic. Stir 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Remove from heat if pasta isn't ready yet.
3
Transfer pasta to the skillet using tongs. Add ½ cup pasta water and toss over low heat until a light sauce forms.
4
Serve immediately over rice or noodles.
5
Season with salt, pepper, and extra lemon juice to taste. Top with lemon zest, parsley, and more cheese.
How to Make It
1
Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining.
2
Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat until it foams. Reduce to low, add lemon zest and garlic. Stir 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Remove from heat if pasta isn't ready yet.
3
Transfer pasta to the skillet using tongs. Add ½ cup pasta water and toss over low heat until a light sauce forms.
4
Serve immediately over rice or noodles.
5
Season with salt, pepper, and extra lemon juice to taste. Top with lemon zest, parsley, and more cheese.
Ingredients
Seasoning
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
Sauce
• 1 large lemon, juiced and zested
• ½ cup parmesan, grated
• 1 cup reserved pasta water
Pasta & Grains
• 1 lb spaghetti, linguine, or angel hair
Storage & Reheat
Store:
Store in container up to 3 days.
Reheat:
Reheat gently in the microwave add a dash of water to prevent dry pasta.
Swaps
No Parmesan? Use the same amount of Pecorino Romano.
Avo's Tip
Keep garlic heat low.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know before you start cooking.
Dairy-free?
Skip cheese.
Too lemony?
Reduce juice.
Add protein?
Shrimp works well.
Quick Fixes
Too dry: Add pasta water before the lemon juice — it emulsifies into a light, glossy coating.
Lemon too sharp: Add zest along with juice for brightness without extra acidity, and finish with a drizzle of olive oil.
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