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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.
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.
Ingredients
Seasoning
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
Sauce
• ½ cup parmesan, grated
• 1 cup reserved pasta water
Pasta & Grains
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.
Store
Store in container up to 3 days.
Reheat
Reheat gently in the microwave add a dash of water to prevent dry pasta.
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MORE ONE-PAN FAVORITES
10
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15
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30
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15
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10
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25
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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.
Lemon Garlic Pasta
Ingredients
—
—
2 cloves garlic, minced
—
—
1 large lemon, juiced and zested
—
—
2 tbsp unsalted butter
—
—
½ cup parmesan, grated
—
—
1 lb spaghetti, linguine, or angel hair
—
—
1 cup reserved pasta water
—
—
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
Instructions
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.
10
min
active
20
min
total
4
servings
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