Lemon Garlic Butter Pasta is the weeknight dinner that’s fast, cozy, and bursting with flavor. The bright kick of lemon, the richness of butter, and a touch of garlic come together in a silky sauce that clings to every bite of pasta. It’s easy, ready in under 30 minutes, and doesn’t leave a mountain of dishes behind. Perfect when the family’s hungry and you need dinner now.
Why This Lemon Garlic Butter Pasta Is a Weeknight Win
- Fast prep: This dish comes together in less than 30 minutes.
- Easy cleanup: You only need one pot and one skillet.
- Big flavor: The combination of garlic, lemon, and Parmesan makes every bite memorable.
How to Make Lemon Garlic Butter Pasta (3 Steps & Timing)
Cook the pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 1 pound of linguine pasta and cook according to package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining. This takes about 10-12 minutes.
Prepare the sauce:
While the pasta cooks, melt 1/2 cup of unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once melted, add 4 cloves of minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until it’s fragrant, but not burnt. Stir in 1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice, 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley, and 1 teaspoon of lemon zest. Season with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.
Combine and serve:
Add the drained linguine to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach the desired consistency. Serve your Lemon Garlic Butter Pasta immediately.
Quick Sides & Serving Ideas
- Garlic bread: Toast some baguette slices with butter and garlic.
- Steamed vegetables: Broccoli or asparagus make a healthy addition.
- Simple salad: A green salad with lemon vinaigrette pairs perfectly.
- Grilled chicken: Add protein by serving alongside grilled chicken.
Storage & Reheat (No Soggy Leftovers)
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can freeze the pasta for up to 2 months. To reheat, use the air fryer or oven at 350°F until warm. This keeps the pasta from getting soggy.
Got Leftovers? Make Them Work for You
Leftovers don’t have to be boring. Most of the time they’re a head start on tomorrow’s meal. Toss roasted veggies into eggs, turn last night’s chicken into wraps, or freeze soups for a lazy-night rescue. The trick is storing them right and keeping it simple. That way, instead of another chore, leftovers feel like a shortcut. See more easy ideas here and make the most of what you’ve got.
10-Minute Prep & Time-Saving Shortcuts
- Use pre-chopped garlic or garlic paste for quick flavor.
- Buy rotisserie chicken for an easy protein addition.
- Opt for bagged salad mixes to speed up meal prep.
- Choose frozen vegetables that you can quickly steam.
Smart Swaps & Variations
- Pasta type: Swap linguine for any other pasta like spaghetti or penne.
- Butter alternatives: Use olive oil for a lighter version.
- Cheese: Try feta or goat cheese instead of Parmesan for a different flavor.
- Add-in options: Toss in spinach, cherry tomatoes, or grilled shrimp for variety.
Craving Something Quick and Crave-Worthy?
Lazy Bites is my go-to spot for those snack cravings that hit out of nowhere. Cheesy pulls, sweet bites, and sides that come together fast no fuss, no fancy prep. Whether it’s a lazy Saturday, a game night spread, or just a quick fix before dinner, these recipes are made to hit the spot without stealing your time. Grab a bite now and keep it easy.
Lemon Garlic Butter Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 pound linguine pasta
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water as needed for consistency
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add linguine and cook according to package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Stir in lemon juice, Parmesan cheese, parsley, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper.
- Add drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach desired sauce consistency.
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan or parsley if desired.
Notes
Nutrition
Lazy Cook’s Pro Tips
A couple of small tweaks can save you time every week. Line sheet pans with parchment for zero scrubbing, keep pre-chopped garlic in the fridge for instant flavor, and double-batch sauces so you’ve got a backup for busy nights. Little shortcuts like these keep dinners easy without giving up taste. See more time-saving tips here and make cooking less of a chore.
FAQs about Lemon Garlic Butter Pasta
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yep spaghetti, penne, or even bow ties all work with this sauce. The key is saving some pasta water so the garlic-butter-lemon mix sticks to every noodle.
What if my sauce turns out too thin?
Just add a little more Parmesan cheese to thicken it up. Or simmer for a minute longer so the sauce reduces and clings better to the pasta.
Can I make this pasta ahead of time?
It’s best fresh, but you can store leftovers in the fridge. Reheat in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. That keeps it from drying out.
What proteins go well with Lemon Garlic Butter Pasta?
Grilled chicken and shrimp are the easy go-tos. Salmon also pairs perfectly with the lemon flavors. For a vegetarian twist, toss in some chickpeas or sautéed mushrooms.
Can I freeze Lemon Garlic Butter Pasta?
Yes, but know the texture changes a little after thawing. Freeze in portions, then reheat in the oven with a drizzle of olive oil to freshen it up.
Wrapping It Up
Lemon Garlic Butter Pasta proves dinner doesn’t have to be complicated to be satisfying. With just a few pantry staples, a skillet, and less than half an hour, you’ve got a comforting bowl of pasta that tastes like a treat. It’s bright, buttery, and totally family-friendly. Try it tonight you’ll love how this simple recipe turns into a go-to meal when you need something quick and full of flavor.
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