Simple Weeknight Lemon Garlic Pasta
This light and flavorful pasta is the perfect quick dinner for those busy evenings when you want something fresh and comforting.
dailyrecipesbook.comWhen life gets busy, I always find myself turning to this lemon garlic pasta. It uses simple pantry staples that come together in minutes, making it a reliable go to for any night of the week.
My favorite way to make this feel special is to use really good olive oil and fresh parsley from the garden. It is a light dish that feels fancy despite how incredibly easy it is to prepare.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces spaghetti or linguine
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large lemon, zested and juiced
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- 1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente.
- 2
While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- 3
Add the sliced garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet, cooking gently for about 2 minutes until the garlic is golden but not browned.
- 4
Reserve half a cup of the starchy pasta water, then drain the noodles.
- 5
Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the oil and garlic.
- 6
Toss in the lemon zest, lemon juice, Parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley.
- 7
Add a splash of the reserved pasta water to create a light sauce that coats the noodles evenly, then season with salt and pepper before serving.
💡 Tips
Serve this immediately while the pasta is hot and glossy. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days and add a tiny splash of water when reheating.
Made this recipe? Let us know how it went.
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