Indulge in the vibrant and zesty flavors of lemon garlic pasta, a dish that perfectly balances tanginess with aromatic garlic. This recipe is not only quick to prepare but also delivers a refreshing taste that’s ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a pasta dish that’s both satisfying and light, leaving your taste buds dancing with delight.
Ingredients
– 200g spaghetti
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 lemon (zest and juice)
– 60ml olive oil
– 30g grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe serves 2 people. Preparation time is 10 minutes, with a cooking time of 15 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1 plate) contains approximately 400 calories, 15g of fat, 55g of carbohydrates, and 10g of protein. This is for one person.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
- Boil water in a large pot and add salt.
- Add spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
- Grate the zest of the lemon and add it to the skillet.
- Once the pasta is cooked, reserve some pasta water and drain the rest.
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet with garlic and lemon zest.
- Pour in the lemon juice and toss to combine.
- If needed, add reserved pasta water to achieve desired consistency.
- Season with salt, pepper, and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute spaghetti with gluten-free pasta or use whole grain for a healthier option. Additionally, nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan cheese for a vegan version of this dish.
Serving and Pairings
Lemon garlic pasta pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, shrimp, or a fresh garden salad. A side of garlic bread also complements the dish perfectly.
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil to retain moisture. This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but can be frozen for up to a month.
Cooking Mistakes
- Overcooking the pasta can lead to a mushy texture.
- Not seasoning the pasta water can result in bland flavors.
- Using too much lemon juice can overpower other flavors.
- Forgetting to reserve pasta water can affect the sauce consistency.
- Not sautéing the garlic long enough may leave it raw.
Helpful Tips
- Always taste your pasta before draining to ensure it’s al dente.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat.
- Experiment with adding vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes, you can use any pasta shape you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta package instructions.
Is this recipe vegan-friendly?
To make it vegan, simply omit the Parmesan cheese or replace it with nutritional yeast.
How can I make this dish spicier?
You can add crushed red pepper flakes or diced fresh chili peppers to the garlic while sautéing.
Can I add protein to this dish?
Absolutely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas work well as protein additions.
How can I enhance the flavor?
Consider adding capers or olives for a briny kick, or fresh herbs like basil or thyme for added freshness.
Conclusion
This lemon garlic pasta recipe is a delightful dish that brings together simple ingredients for a burst of flavor. Perfect for any meal, it’s quick to prepare and sure to impress. Enjoy it as a light dinner or as a side dish at your next gathering!
Lemon Garlic Pasta
Ingredients
- 200 g spaghetti
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 lemon zest and juice
- 60 ml olive oil
- 30 g grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Boil water in a large pot and add salt.
- Add spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
- Grate the zest of the lemon and add it to the skillet.
- Once the pasta is cooked, reserve some pasta water and drain the rest.
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet with garlic and lemon zest.
- Pour in the lemon juice and toss to combine.
- If needed, add reserved pasta water to achieve desired consistency.
- Season with salt, pepper, and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
