Easy Lemon Butter Pasta

# What You'll Need:

→ Pasta

01 - 7 ounces spaghetti or linguine

02 - 1 teaspoon salt, for pasta water

→ Sauce

03 - 3 tablespoons unsalted butter

04 - Zest of 1 lemon

05 - Juice of 1 large lemon (about 3 tablespoons)

06 - 2 cloves garlic, finely minced

07 - 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

08 - 2 tablespoons reserved pasta water

09 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

10 - Salt, to taste

→ Garnish

11 - 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

12 - Extra grated Parmesan cheese

# Directions:

01 - Fill a large pot with water, add salt, and bring to a boil. Cook spaghetti or linguine according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 2 tablespoons of pasta water and drain.

02 - While pasta cooks, melt unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant without browning.

03 - Incorporate lemon zest and lemon juice into the skillet, stirring to combine with the butter and garlic.

04 - Add drained pasta and reserved pasta water to the skillet. Toss thoroughly to coat noodles with the sauce.

05 - Sprinkle in grated Parmesan and black pepper. Continue to toss until cheese melts and sauce appears glossy. Adjust salt to taste.

06 - Plate immediately and garnish with chopped fresh parsley and extra grated Parmesan as desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -

This is the kind of pasta you whip up when you crave something both comforting and lively—no fancy ingredients required.
The creamy lemon sauce hugs each strand and brings a little joy to even the busiest nights.

02 -

If you forget to reserve pasta water, the sauce won't come together as silkily—I've learned that the hard way.
Using real lemon zest (not bottled juice) makes all the difference for aroma and flavor.

03 -