Lemon Butter Garlic Pasta Sauce
A zesty and creamy pasta sauce that elevates any pasta dish with the delightful flavors of lemon, butter, and garlic.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces pasta
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente, reserving 1 cup of pasta water.
- Sauté the Garlic: Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat, add minced garlic, and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
- Add Lemon Zest and Juice: Stir in lemon zest for 30 seconds and then pour in lemon juice, stirring to combine.
- Incorporate Heavy Cream: Lower the heat, add heavy cream, and simmer for a few minutes until slightly thickened, using pasta water if necessary.
- Combine with Pasta: Toss the drained pasta in the skillet with the sauce until well coated, adjusting thickness with reserved pasta water if needed.
- Season and Serve: Season with salt and pepper, add chopped parsley, and serve with optional lemon zest or Parmesan cheese.
Notes
Can be customized with additional proteins or vegetables. Keep an eye on the garlic to avoid burning.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 51g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: pasta, lemon butter sauce, garlic sauce, easy pasta recipe, vegetarian Italian dish, creamy pasta sauce