How to make butter lemon sauce for pasta?

A classic butter lemon sauce is made by melting butter with garlic, then stirring in fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and a splash of reserved pasta water. Finish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper for extra flavor. It's a simple sauce that comes together in just a few minutes.

What type of pasta is best for lemon butter pasta?

Long pasta shapes like spaghetti, linguine, fettuccine, and angel hair are the best choices because they soak up the buttery lemon sauce beautifully.

Can I use bottled lemon juice?

Fresh lemon juice is highly recommended for the brightest flavor. Bottled lemon juice works in a pinch, but it won't have quite the same fresh citrus taste.

Why is my lemon butter sauce separating?

The sauce usually separates if it becomes too hot or doesn't have enough pasta water. Tossing the hot pasta with reserved pasta water helps create a smooth, silky sauce.

Can I make lemon butter pasta ahead of time?

This pasta is best served fresh, but leftovers reheat well with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.

What protein goes well with lemon butter pasta?

Chicken , shrimp , salmon , scallops , and even roasted chickpeas all pair wonderfully with the bright lemon butter sauce.

Can I use gluten-free pasta?

Absolutely. Your favorite gluten-free spaghetti or linguine works just as well. Just cook according to the package directions.

Can I make this without Parmesan cheese?

Yes. The pasta is still delicious without fresh Parmesan cheese, although the cheese adds richness and helps create a creamier sauce. You can also substitute Pecorino Romano for a slightly sharper flavor.

Lemon Butter Pasta

Name: Lemon Butter Pasta
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1/2 pound (8 ounces) dry spaghetti; 3 tablespoons butter; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 tablespoon garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped; 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated; 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 1 teaspoon lemon zest; 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste); 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper (or to taste); crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Description

Lemon Butter Pasta is a quick and easy dinner made with garlic, Parmesan, and fresh lemon. A delicious twist on buttered noodles ready in just 15 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2 pound (8 ounces) dry spaghetti
3 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon garlic, minced
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper (or to taste)
crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

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Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add spaghetti and cook until al dente according to package directions, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of the hot pasta water in a small bowl. Drain the noodles and set aside.
Meanwhile, heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until melted, about 1 minute. Add the garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
Add parsley, Parmesan, lemon juice, lemon zest, and 2-3 tablespoons of the reserved pasta water. Reduce the heat to low and stir until the Parmesan has melted into a smooth sauce.
Add the cooked spaghetti pasta and toss to combine. Gradually add more of the reserved pasta water, 1-2 tablespoons at a time, until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes glossy and coats the pasta (using 1/4 cup to 1/2 cup in total).
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan, parsley, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes, if desired.

Notes

How to store: Keep leftover lemon butter pasta in the fridge for up to 4-5 days inside an airtight container. Allow the pasta to cool to room temperature before storing to prevent condensation from forming inside the container.

How to reheat: Lemon butter pasta reheats well in the microwave. Cover pasta in a vented container and heat on medium to low heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through, mixing occasionally. You can also reheat it on the stove over medium-low heat. Add a splash of water if the sauce is too thick.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Dinner, Pasta
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian