How to Make Delicious Lemon Garlic Butter Pasta

Looking for a quick yet delicious pasta dish that can be ready in under 20 minutes? Lemon garlic butter pasta is the perfect choice! This light and flavorful meal is packed with fresh ingredients, making it both satisfying and healthy. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, this recipe offers an easy solution to fulfilling your appetite without much effort.

Ingredients needed:

• 200g of spaghetti
• 1 lemon (for zest)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Parsley for garnish (optional)

Cooking time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4 people

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Lemon Garlic Butter Pasta

To prepare this dish, start by bringing a large pot of salted water to the boil. Once it’s at a rolling boil, add your spaghetti and cook according to package directions for al dente pasta.

While the pasta is boiling, zest one whole lemon and set the zest aside. In another pan, heat up a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add three minced garlic cloves and sauté until golden brown but not burned.

Drain the cooked spaghetti and return it to the same pot. Pour in about half a cup of butter (about 70g) into the pasta along with the lemon zest and the garlic mixture from the previous step. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated in the lemon butter sauce.

At this point, you can add more butter to your taste or squeeze additional lemon juice over it for extra flavor. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired before serving.

Tips and Variations

• For a heartier meal: Add 100g of cooked shrimp, chicken, or any other seafood/vegetable to the pasta after adding it back from the pot. This will give you more substance in each bite.
• To make it spicier: Add some red pepper flakes while sautéing your garlic for extra heat.
• For a healthier option: Reduce the butter and replace half of it with olive oil. You can also use whole wheat pasta instead of regular spaghetti to increase fiber content.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

The following is an estimated breakdown for one serving of lemon garlic butter pasta:

• Calories: 450 kcal
• Total Fat: 38g
• Saturated Fat: 17.6g
• Cholesterol: 96mg
• Sodium: 268mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fiber: 5g
• Sugars: 3g
• Protein: 16g

This recipe ensures that you have a meal that’s not only delicious but also nutritious. The combination of fresh ingredients like lemon, garlic, and parsley brings out the natural flavors without overpowering them. It's an ideal choice for those looking to enjoy a simple yet impressive dish.

Conclusion

Lemon garlic butter pasta is more than just another pasta recipe; it’s about bringing together the best of two worlds—freshness and simplicity. Whether you’re hosting dinner guests or having a quiet night in, this meal can be prepared easily and enjoyed by all. It's versatile enough to pair with different proteins or vegetables making it suitable for various dietary preferences.

So why wait? Try out this simple yet sophisticated recipe today and experience the delightful flavors that come from using fresh ingredients and minimal steps. Impress your family and friends with a dish that’s both comforting and satisfying.