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Lemon Butter Garlic Pasta (Pasta al Limone)

Lemon Butter Garlic Pasta: A Quick, Zesty Delight

Enjoy a vibrant and comforting Lemon Butter Garlic Pasta (Pasta al Limone) ready in just 20 minutes.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 500

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 12 ounces Long Pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine) Use long pasta varieties for optimal sauce adherence.
For the Sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt Water should taste like the sea when cooking.
  • 1 cup Reserved Starchy Pasta Water Always reserve before draining as it's key for emulsifying the sauce.
  • 6 tablespoons Unsalted Butter Use unsalted to control overall saltiness.
  • 4 cloves Fresh Garlic, minced Fresh is preferred for aroma.
  • 2 whole Lemons, for zest and juice Microplane for zest and juice fresh lemons for vibrant flavor.
  • 1 cup Parmesan Cheese, grated Opt for freshly grated for smooth melting.
  • Freshly Cracked Black Pepper Use for seasoning to taste.
Optional Add-Ins
  • ½ teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes Add for a kick of heat.
  • handful Chopped Fresh Parsley or Basil Garnish for extra flavor.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • skillet
  • colander

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil, add pasta, and cook until al dente, about 9 to 11 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. Prepare Garlic Butter Sauce: In a skillet, heat butter over medium heat, add minced garlic, and sauté until fragrant, about 60 to 90 seconds.
  3. Combine with Lemon: Remove skillet from heat and stir in the zest and juice of lemons, mixing well.
  4. Emulsify Sauce: Return pasta to skillet, add half of the reserved pasta water, and toss over low heat for 1 to 2 minutes until emulsified.
  5. Finish the Dish: Serve immediately, garnished with remaining Parmesan and pepper. Optionally add red pepper flakes or fresh herbs.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 500kcalCarbohydrates: 75gProtein: 15gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Best enjoyed fresh. Reserve starchy pasta water for a creamy sauce. Use fresh ingredients for optimal flavor.

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