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Easy Lemon Pasta Recipe

Easy Lemon Pasta Recipe

5.3 from 25 reviews

This Easy Lemon Pasta recipe is a quick and flavorful dish that combines the brightness of lemon with the richness of garlic and olive oil, all tossed with perfectly cooked spaghetti. A simple yet satisfying meal for any day of the week!

Ingredients

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Ingredients:

  • 12 ounces spaghetti
  • Kosher salt
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • 6 large garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, plus more to your liking
  • Zest of 2 lemons
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • Black pepper
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional), plus more to your liking

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil, then salt it well. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions to al dente (about 8 minutes). Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining.
  2. Make a simple lemon-garlic olive oil sauce: When the pasta is nearly done (about 5 minutes into cooking it), heat 1/4 cup of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes, and stir until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Whisk in the lemon juice and about 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water, saving the remaining water for later.
  3. Coat the pasta in the oil: Drain the pasta, then add it to the skillet. Toss over medium heat until it’s well-coated.
  4. Finish and serve: Remove the skillet from the heat and add the parsley, lemon zest, and Parmesan (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss again to combine, and if needed, add a little bit more of the pasta cooking water and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Serve immediately!

Nutrition

Keywords: Easy Lemon Pasta, Lemon Garlic Pasta, Pasta Recipes, Quick Meals