why make this recipe
Lemon Butter Garlic Pasta Sauce, or Pasta al Limone, is a bright and flavorful dish that brings a burst of freshness to your meal. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a delicious sauce that coats your pasta perfectly. This recipe is not only quick to prepare but also healthy and satisfying. It’s great for a busy weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Plus, the combination of lemon, butter, and garlic is simply irresistible!
how to make Lemon Butter Garlic Pasta Sauce
Ingredients:
- 1 pound of pasta (spaghetti or your choice)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Directions:
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in the lemon zest and lemon juice, then season with salt and pepper.
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet, and toss to combine.
- If the pasta seems dry, add a little reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
- Serve warm, garnished with chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
how to serve Lemon Butter Garlic Pasta Sauce
Lemon Butter Garlic Pasta Sauce is best served fresh and warm. You can plate the pasta directly from the skillet for a family-style meal. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and a generous amount of grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor. This dish pairs well with a light salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
how to store Lemon Butter Garlic Pasta Sauce
To store any leftover pasta, let it cool completely before placing it in an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce as needed.
tips to make Lemon Butter Garlic Pasta Sauce
- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor.
- Adjust the garlic to your taste; you can add more or less based on your preference.
- Experiment with additional ingredients like cherry tomatoes or cooked shrimp for a richer dish.
variation
You can customize this sauce by adding vegetables like spinach or asparagus for extra nutrition. You can also swap the butter for olive oil to make it vegan-friendly.
FAQs
1. Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time but it’s best to cook the pasta fresh. You can store the sauce in the fridge for a couple of days and reheat it when ready to use.
2. What type of pasta works best?
Any type of pasta works well with this sauce, but spaghetti or linguine are excellent choices for their ability to hold the sauce.
3. Is this recipe gluten-free?
You can make it gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta. The sauce itself is naturally gluten-free as long as you check the pasta packaging.
Lemon Butter Garlic Pasta Sauce
Ingredients
Method
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in the lemon zest and lemon juice, then season with salt and pepper.
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet, and toss to combine.
- If the pasta seems dry, add a little reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
- Serve warm, garnished with chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
