Lemon Pasta: A Bright, Creamy Pasta Dinner Ready in 20 Minutes

Lemon Pasta is proof that a great dinner does not require a long ingredient list. Tender pasta is tossed with butter, Parmesan, fresh lemon juice, and zest to create a sauce that is creamy, bright, and incredibly flavorful. It is an easy weeknight meal that comes together almost entirely in the time it takes to boil the pasta.

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

• 12 oz spaghetti or linguine
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lemon, zested and juiced
• ¾ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup reserved pasta water
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• Extra Parmesan, for serving

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve at least ½ cup of the pasta water. This starchy water is essential for helping the butter, cheese, and lemon come together into a silky sauce.

While the pasta cooks, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat and add the garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Add the lemon zest and juice, then lower the heat. Transfer the drained pasta directly into the skillet and toss with the butter mixture, gradually adding the reserved pasta water until the sauce becomes glossy.

Remove the skillet from the heat and add the Parmesan, tossing continuously until it melts into the sauce. Season with salt and plenty of freshly ground black pepper, then finish with chopped parsley. If the sauce becomes too thick, add another splash of pasta water until you reach the consistency you want.

Serve immediately with extra Parmesan and a little fresh lemon zest. For a more substantial meal, grilled chicken, shrimp, or roasted vegetables can easily be added. The key to this recipe is balancing the richness of the butter and cheese with enough fresh lemon to keep the pasta bright rather than heavy.