20-Minute Lemon Butter Pasta

Prep time: 5 minutes | Cook time: 15 minutes | Cost estimate: $5–8 | Serves: 2

Okay, mamas, who needs a win tonight? I know I do! Between soccer practice, spelling tests, and that ever-growing pile of laundry, sometimes dinner feels like climbing Mount Everest in flip-flops. That’s where this Lemon Butter Pasta swoops in to save the day. It’s seriously faster than ordering takeout (and WAY healthier!). This recipe is my go-to when I need something quick, easy, and totally delicious. The bright, zesty flavor is a guaranteed hit, even with my pickiest eater (I’m looking at you, Timmy!). Plus, cleanup is a breeze. Trust me, you’ll be adding this one to your weekly rotation. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl, but with a lemony kick!

Why You’ll Love These

Seriously, what’s not to love? This pasta is a weeknight game-changer!

• Ready in Minutes: From pot to plate in just 20 minutes – perfect for those crazy weeknights.
• Simple Ingredients: You probably have most of these ingredients in your pantry already!
• Bright & Flavorful: The lemon zest and juice create a wonderfully zesty and refreshing taste.
• Totally Customizable: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or veggies to make it a complete meal.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Even the kiddos will gobble this one up (mine do!).

Ingredients

• 8 ounces spaghetti (or linguine, if you’re feeling fancy!)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, sliced into pats
• 2 tablespoons lemon zest, from about 2 large lemons
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (don’t burn it!)
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, plus more to taste
• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Chopped fresh parsley or basil leaves, for garnish (optional, but so pretty!)

How to Make

1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente. Important! Reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining. This is liquid gold, folks! It’s what makes the sauce creamy.
2. Sauté the garlic and lemon zest: While the pasta is cooking, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once melted and foamy (but not brown!), reduce the heat to low. Add the lemon zest and minced garlic. Cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant, about 1 to 2 minutes. Watch it like a hawk! Burnt garlic is the enemy of deliciousness.
3. Combine pasta and sauce: Use tongs to transfer the cooked pasta directly from the pot to the skillet with the lemon-garlic butter. Add ½ cup of the reserved pasta water and toss continuously until the pasta is coated in a light sauce.
4. Add cheese and lemon juice: Add half of the Parmesan cheese and toss again until melted and creamy. Then, add the lemon juice and the remaining cheese. Toss until the sauce is smooth and coats every strand of pasta.
   

   Pro Tip: If the sauce seems too thick, add more of that reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.

   
   
5. Season and serve: Season to taste with salt, pepper, and more lemon juice, if needed. Garnish with extra lemon zest and fresh parsley or basil. Serve immediately and watch it disappear!

Tips & Tricks

Want to take this Lemon Butter Pasta to the next level? Here are a few of my favorite hacks:

• Flavor Boost: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick! Or, stir in some sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of umami.
• Prep Hack: Zest the lemons and mince the garlic ahead of time to save even more minutes on busy weeknights.
• Serving Suggestion: This pasta is amazing with a side of grilled shrimp or some pan-seared chicken. It’s also fantastic with a simple green salad.
• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.
• Time Saver: Use pre-grated Parmesan cheese if you’re really in a hurry, but freshly grated is always best!

Dietary Variations

Need to tweak this recipe to fit your family’s needs? Here are a few simple swaps: