Lemon Butter Garlic Pasta Sauce
This creamy Lemon Butter Garlic Pasta Sauce transforms ordinary noodles into a delightful comfort food with a refreshing twist, ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Pasta and Sauce Base
- 1 cup unsalted butter Use high-quality butter for best flavor.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced Freshly minced garlic yields the best flavor.
- 1 unit lemon, juiced and zested Use organic lemons for more vibrant flavor.
- to taste Salt and pepper Adjust according to preference.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese Can substitute with nutritional yeast for a vegan option.
- to garnish Fresh parsley, chopped Adds a fresh touch and color.
- Pasta of choice spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne Cook according to package instructions.
Instructions
Cooking Pasta
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions in salted water until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving 1 cup of the starchy pasta water for later use.
Making the Sauce
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Watch it closely, allowing it to foam for about 1-2 minutes until it turns a light golden color.
- Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, stirring continuously until the garlic is fragrant.
- Stir in the lemon juice and zest, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for another minute until blended.
Combining
- Toss the drained pasta in the skillet with the lemon butter garlic sauce for about 1-2 minutes.
- Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until fully incorporated, adding reserved pasta water if needed to reach desired consistency.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to a month. Reheat gently before serving and check for freshness before consuming.