Garlic Butter Lemon Pasta

Ingredients

• 180 g Spaghetti (or linguine)
• 3 tbsp Unsalted butter
• 3 cloves Garlic
• 1 Lemon (zest and juice)
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (finely grated)
• 1/2 tsp Salt(optional)
• 1/4 tsp Black pepper(optional)
• 1/8 tsp Red pepper flakes(optional)

Instructions

1. 1

   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti until al dente, about 10–12 minutes; reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.

2. 2

   While the pasta cooks (about 10 minutes prep total), mince the garlic and zest the lemon. Juice the lemon and set aside.

3. 3

   In a large skillet over medium-low heat, melt the butter. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30–60 seconds (do not brown).

4. 4

   Add the drained pasta to the skillet. Toss with lemon zest and lemon juice, adding a splash of reserved pasta water as needed to make it glossy.

5. 5

   Turn off the heat and stir in the parmesan. Season with black pepper (and red pepper flakes if using). Toss well and serve immediately.