Lemon Garlic Pasta is a bright and zesty dish that’s super easy to make! With fresh lemon juice, fragrant garlic, and a sprinkle of parsley, it’s a delightful meal bursting with flavor.
I love how quick this pasta comes together, making it perfect for busy nights. It’s light yet satisfying, and leftover bites are amazing for lunch the next day—if there are any left! 🍋🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I like using spaghetti for this dish, but any pasta works great! You might try fettuccine, linguine, or even gluten-free options like brown rice pasta if preferred.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is key for that vibrant flavor. If you’re out, you could use garlic powder in a pinch, though fresh has a stronger taste.
Lemon: Fresh lemons are best for juices and zest, enhancing the dish’s freshness. If lemons aren’t available, lime juice can work too, but the flavor will be slightly different.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan is a must for that cheesy richness. If you’re vegan, nutritional yeast can substitute, or try a dairy-free Parmesan if you see one at the store.
Fresh Parsley: Parsley adds a nice color and freshness. Basil can be a good alternative, offering a different but delicious flavor profile.
How Do I Create a Creamy Sauce with Pasta Water?
Making a creamy sauce with pasta water is a simple but important step. The reserved water not only adds moisture but also starch, which helps bind the sauce to the pasta. Here’s how to do it:
- After cooking your pasta, remember to save about a cup of the starchy water before draining.
- When you add the pasta back to the pot with lemon juice and zest, start incorporating the reserved water gradually. This will help achieve that creamy consistency.
- Toss the pasta well—you want every piece to be coated without being too watery. Add the water little by little until you reach your desired creaminess.
- Don’t forget to stir in the Parmesan, as it will help thicken the sauce too.
With these steps, you’ll get a flavorful, creamy lemon garlic pasta that’s simply delicious! Enjoy!
How to Make Lemon Garlic Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz spaghetti or your choice of pasta
For the Sauce:
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Lemon slices for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Lemon Garlic Pasta recipe will take about 20 minutes in total – 10 minutes for prep and about 10 minutes for cooking. Perfect for a quick and delicious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add your spaghetti (or pasta of choice) and cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. When it’s done, don’t forget to reserve 1 cup of the pasta water before draining the pasta. This water will help create a nice sauce later!
2. Sauté the Garlic:
In the same pot you used for the pasta, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté it for about 1-2 minutes, or until it becomes fragrant but not browned. Be careful not to let it burn!
3. Combine with Lemon:
Now, add the cooked pasta back into the pot along with the lemon zest and fresh lemon juice. Toss everything together gently to combine—this is where the magic starts to happen!
4. Create a Creamy Sauce:
Gradually add the reserved pasta water, a little bit at a time. Toss the pasta while you do this until you reach your desired sauce consistency. You might not need all the reserved water, so add it according to your liking!
5. Finish with Cheese and Herbs:
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Mix everything well until the cheese is melted and the flavors are blended. Taste it and adjust any seasoning as needed!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Lemon Garlic Pasta immediately! You can garnish it with extra lemon slices and parsley if you’d like. Enjoy this light and zesty dish!
Can I Use Whole Wheat or Gluten-Free Pasta?
Absolutely! You can substitute whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for a healthier or gluten-free option. Just keep an eye on cooking times, as they may vary compared to traditional pasta.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Garlic?
If fresh garlic isn’t available, you can use garlic powder instead. Substitute 1/8 teaspoon of garlic powder for each clove of garlic. Just remember, garlic powder can be more potent, so add it gradually and taste as you go!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or olive oil and warm gently in a pan to help bring back the creamy texture.
