Creamy Lemon Garlic Pasta

This Lemon Garlic Pasta is what I make when I want something that tastes great, but takes almost no effort. It’s light, but satisfying, with a buttery garlic sauce, fresh lemon, and just the right kick of heat. You don’t need a long list of ingredients or extra time in the kitchen. You just need a few simple staples and 25 minutes to get dinner on the table.

There’s something about the combination of garlic, lemon, butter, and parmesan that just works. After testing different variations over the years, I’ve found that the key to getting the best flavor is letting the garlic and lemon sizzle in butter just long enough to bring out the flavors without burning them. Using both the zest and juice of the lemon give you all that citrus flavor without it tasting too tart. And if you’ve never saved and used your pasta water, trust me, it helps create a silky sauce without any extra effort. The result? A dish that’s light, garlicky, and comforting, without being heavy.

Why You’ll Love This Lemon Garlic Pasta

Quick and Easy – This lemon garlic pasta comes together in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you need something fast but still packed with flavor.

Light, but Comforting – Unlike heavy, cream-based pastas, this dish uses a garlic butter pasta sauce that’s silky and rich without being too heavy.

Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor – You only need a handful of pantry staples to create an easy pasta recipe that delivers big flavor.

Perfect for Any Occasion – Whether you’re making a quick dinner for yourself or serving it to guests, this lemon pasta feels a little fancy without the extra work or stress.

Pairs Well – Pair it with roasted chicken, shrimp, or roasted veggies for a complete weeknight pasta dinner that fits your taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This lemon garlic pasta comes together with just a few simple pantry staples, but every ingredient plays a big role in creating that balance.

• Spaghetti – The perfect pasta choice for soaking up that garlic butter pasta sauce. You can also use fettuccine or linguine.
• Olive Oil and Butter – A mix of both gives the sauce richness while keeping it light.
• Garlic – Fresh garlic is key here! It adds bold flavor that makes this easy pasta recipe shine.
• Red Chili Flakes – A little heat goes great with the lemon and garlic. Adjust to taste or skip it entirely if you prefer.
• Lemon (Zest and Juice) – Using both the zest and juice gives you all the bright citrus flavor without it tasting too tart.
• Parmesan Cheese – Melts into the pasta for a silky, no-cream pasta sauce that’s packed with flavor.
• Kosher Salt and Ground Black Pepper – These are to taste and really enhance all of the flavors in the recipe. If you use freshly ground black pepper, be sure not to get too heavy handed.
• Reserved Pasta Water – If you’ve never saved and used your pasta water, it helps create a silky sauce without any extra effort. It helps add a salty flavor and helps the sauce stick to the pasta.
• Fresh Parsley (Optional) – Adds a pop of color and bright flavor to finish the dish.

How to Make Lemon Garlic Butter Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al detne, following the package instructions. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of pasta water. This is the key to creating silky garlic butter pasta sauce without adding cream.

Step 2: Saute the Garlic

While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and red chili flakes. Saute for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, just until the garlic is fragrant. Be careful not to burn it!

Step 3: Add Lemon and Pasta Water

Pour in 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water along with the zest and juice of the lemon. Stir well to combine, letting the flavors meld for 30 seconds. This creates a light citrusy base for the lemon garlic pasta sauce.

Step 4: Toss the Pasta

Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet, tossing it in the sauce until it’s evenly coated. If the pasta looks dry, add a little more reserved pasta water, 102 tablespoons at a time, until it reaches a silky consistency.

Step 5: Finish with Cheese and Seasonings

Sprinkle in the grated parmesan and season with kosher salt and black pepper to taste. Toss everything together until the cheese melts into the sauce, making it extra flavorful.

Step 6: Serve

Divide the pasta among your bowls and top with fresh parsley. Serve immediately and enjoy your quick and easy lemon pasta!

Tips for the Best Lemon Garlic Pasta Sauce

Save more pasta water than you think you’ll need. You likely won’t need the full cup, but it’s better to have extra than not enough when adjusting the consistency of your garlic butter pasta sauce. Adding just a little at a time helps create that perfect, silky texture without making the pasta watery.

Watch the garlic closely. When you add garlic and red chili flakes to the oil, keep a close eye on it! Garlic burns fast, and burnt garlic will make your lemon pasta sauce taste bitter. Stir constantly and remove it from the heat if needed.

Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor. Fresh garlic, real lemon juice and zest, and high-quality parmesan make a huge difference in the final dish. Skip the bottled lemon juice and pre-shredded cheese for the best results.

Adjust the heat to your taste. If you love spice, add a little extra red chili flakes. If you prefer it milder, start with a smaller amount or leave it out entirely.

Don’t skip the parmesan. Even though this is a no-cream pasta sauce, parmesan cheese adds richness and helps the sauce cling to the pasta.

Serve immediately. This pasta is best enjoyed fresh and hot since the sauce will continue to absorb into the pasta as it sits. If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water before serving to loosen it up again.

How to Store & Reheat Lemon Garlic Pasta

Storing Leftovers

• Refrigerating: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: This pasta is best enjoyed fresh, but if you need to freeze it, store it in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Just keep in mind that the texture may change slightly when you reheat it.

Reheating Tips

• Stovetop (Best Method): Add the pasta to a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of reserved pasta water (or regular water if you didn’t save any). Stir gently until warmed through and the sauce becomes silky again.
• Microwave: Place the pasta in a microwave-safe bowl with a tablespoon of water or broth, cover loosely, and heat in 30 second bursts, stirring between until warmed through.
• Avoid Dry Pasta: If the pasta seems dry after reheating, just add a little extra olive oil, butter, or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to bring it back to life.

Lemon Garlic Pasta FAQs

How to Serve Lemon Garlic Pasta

This lemon garlic pasta is light yet still filling, making it a great dish that works on it’s own or paired with other sides and proteins. Here are a few ways to serve it:

As a Main Dish:

• Keep it simple. Serve it on it’s own for a quick and easy weeknight pasta dinner.
• Add protein. Toss in grilled chicken, shrimp, or salmon for a heartier meal.
• Serve it with sides. Pair it with a side salad, roasted broccoli, or breadsticks to round out the meal.

As a Side Dish:

• Pair it with a protein. Serve it alongside steak, roasted chicken, or baked fish for a full rounded meal.
• With roasted vegetables. Try it with roasted asparagus, zucchini, or even blistered cherry tomatoes for added flavor.
• With a salad. A crisp chopped salad can help balance out the richness.

For Entertaining:

• Serve it family-style. Place the pasta in a large serving bowl with extra parmesan and lemon wedges for guests to customize.
• Pair with garlic bread. A side of homemade garlic bread or focaccia is perfect for soaking up the extra garlic butter pasta sauce.

More Recipes You Might Like

If you love this lemon garlic pasta, here are a few more flavorful, easy-to-make recipes to try next:

• Lemon Pepper Chicken – A bright and zesty chicken dish that pairs perfectly with this pasta or stands on its own as a quick weeknight dinner.
• Lemon Ricotta Pasta – Creamy, tangy, and packed with fresh lemon flavor, this pasta is a must-try for lemon lovers.
• Garlic Lemon Butter Shrimp – Juicy shrimp cooked in a garlicky, buttery lemon sauce with orzo.