Name: Lemon Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 8 ounces spaghetti; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (sliced into pats); 2 tablespoons lemon zest (plus more for garnish); 2 garlic cloves (minced); ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving); 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (plus more to taste); Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste); Chopped fresh parsley or basil leaves (for garnish)

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 2 reviews

I absolutely love sharing this Lemon Pasta Recipe because it’s one of those dishes that feels light, bright, and effortlessly elegant all at once. When I make it, I’m instantly reminded how a few simple ingredients can come together to create a meal that’s bursting with fresh citrus flavor and comforting creaminess. It’s perfect for those days when you want dinner fast, but crave something that tastes special and vibrant.

Why You’ll Love This Lemon Pasta Recipe

What hooks me every time I make this Lemon Pasta Recipe is the wonderful balance of flavors. The sharpness of fresh lemon zest and juice wakes up the pasta in the best way, while the butter and Parmesan add that rich, silky texture that feels so indulgent yet light. I love how the garlic sneaks in just enough savory warmth without overpowering the freshness of the lemon. It’s like sunshine on a plate that instantly lifts my mood.

Besides the fantastic flavor, what really makes this dish stand out for me is how simple it is to prepare. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu dinners because it comes together in about 20 minutes with pantry staples and basic pantry ingredients. Plus, because it feels a little fancy, I’m never hesitant to serve it when friends stop by or for a casual family dinner. It’s a recipe that feels special without any fuss, and that’s exactly why I reach for it again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows ingredients for cooking pasta on a white marbled surface. At the bottom, there is a round beige plate with a metal grater placed over some grated cheese and a wedge of hard cheese with a textured rind. To the left, uncooked spaghetti strands lie flat on the surface, partially under a clear glass bowl holding two bright yellow lemons. At the top right, a white plate holds four small blocks of light yellow butter. Near the plate, a folded cloth with pink, white, and orange patterns is placed. On the right side, fresh green basil leaves and pale garlic bulbs with loose white skins rest side by side. A wooden pepper grinder stands at the upper left corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Lemon Pasta Recipe comes down to the simplicity and quality of each ingredient. Every component plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, giving the dish its bright, creamy, and satisfying character.

8 ounces spaghetti: Choose your favorite pasta shape, but spaghetti works perfectly to catch that luscious sauce.
4 tablespoons unsalted butter: Cutting it into pats helps it melt evenly and creates the silky base of the sauce.
2 tablespoons lemon zest: Fresh lemon zest is a bright burst of citrus that makes all the difference.
2 garlic cloves (minced): Garlic adds a subtle warmth that complements the lemon beautifully.
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: This cheese melts into the sauce, adding creamy richness and a savory punch.
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice: Just the right amount to brighten the sauce without overpowering it.
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors.
Chopped fresh parsley or basil leaves: A colorful garnish that adds a fresh herbal note to finish the dish.

Directions

Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until it reaches a perfect al dente texture. In the last couple of minutes of cooking, scoop out and set aside 1 cup of the starchy pasta water—it’s going to help us make that silky sauce.

Step 2: Just before your pasta finishes cooking, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Watch carefully as it foams and starts to brown slightly, then reduce the heat to low. Add the lemon zest and minced garlic, stirring frequently for 1 to 2 minutes until they become fragrant without browning. Once aromatic, remove the skillet from heat if your pasta still needs time to finish.

Step 3: Drain the pasta using tongs or a pasta fork, and transfer it directly to the skillet with the butter mixture. Pour in about ½ cup of the reserved pasta water and gently toss over low heat. This helps create the sauce that clings to every strand. Stir in half the Parmesan, then add the fresh lemon juice and remaining cheese, tossing the entire pasta mixture until the sauce is smooth, creamy, and evenly coats the noodles. If the sauce feels too thick or clumpy, just add a splash more pasta water to loosen it. Finally, taste and season with salt, pepper, and extra lemon juice to your liking.

Step 4: Finish by garnishing with extra lemon zest and chopped parsley or basil for a fresh pop of color. Serve immediately with additional Parmesan cheese on the side for sprinkling. Enjoy!

Servings and Timing

This Lemon Pasta Recipe yields 2 wonderfully satisfying servings—perfect for a cozy lunch or dinner for two. The prep time is incredibly quick, around 5 minutes to zest, mince, and get everything ready. Cooking time clocks in at roughly 15 minutes, making the overall total time about 20 minutes from start to finish. There’s no resting or cooling time needed; it’s best enjoyed fresh and warm right off the stove.

How to Serve This Lemon Pasta Recipe

A white pan with a yellow handle filled with cooked spaghetti noodles that look soft and slightly shiny, piled loosely in the center. The pan sits on a white marbled surface. Next to the pan, there is a piece of yellow cheese, a wooden pepper grinder, and a white bowl containing grated cheese with a metal grater resting on top. A woman's hand is holding the pan handle. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

When I serve this Lemon Pasta Recipe, I like to complement it with light, fresh sides that don’t overpower the citrussy brightness of the pasta. A green salad with a simple olive oil and vinegar dressing or some roasted asparagus is a match made in heaven. You can also add a crusty loaf of bread to soak up that luscious sauce, which is always a crowd-pleaser.

For garnishes, I love adding extra lemon zest on top along with a generous sprinkle of freshly chopped herbs like parsley or sometimes basil, depending on my mood. These little touches add pleasing color and an herbaceous lift to the dish. If I’m serving company, I plate the pasta in shallow bowls, topping each portion elegantly with a small mound of Parmesan and a twist of lemon peel for a refined look.

As for drinks, a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio pairs perfectly with the lemon notes. For a non-alcoholic choice, a sparkling water with a splash of lemon or a light herbal iced tea enhances the meal beautifully. This dish is versatile enough for a casual weeknight dinner but can hold its own at a celebration or date night too. Serving it piping hot is my favorite, but it also warms up nicely for leftovers.

Variations

I love trying different twists on this Lemon Pasta Recipe to keep it exciting. For a vegan twist, I swap the butter for olive oil and use nutritional yeast or a vegan Parmesan alternative, which still gives that savory, cheesy note without dairy. You can also experiment with gluten-free pasta to make it accessible for different diets without losing any of the bright flavor.

Switching up the herbs is another favorite way to vary the taste. Try adding fresh thyme or tarragon alongside or instead of parsley for a more aromatic flavor profile. If you want to add some protein, grilled shrimp or cooked chicken tossed in at the end make fantastic additions, turning this into a complete meal. For a different texture, I sometimes sprinkle toasted pine nuts or walnuts on top for a nutty crunch.

Cooking methods can also differ: instead of finishing the pasta in the skillet, some days I prefer to mix all ingredients in a large bowl off the heat, tossing the pasta with butter and cheese and using the hot pasta water to adjust the sauce. It’s a little less hands-on but equally delicious.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (which is rare in my house), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The pasta will keep well for up to 2 days. Using glass containers is ideal because they don’t absorb odors and make reheating easier. Just try to add fresh lemon juice when reheating to revive that bright citrus flavor.

Freezing

I don’t typically freeze this Lemon Pasta Recipe since the texture of the sauce changes when frozen, especially with butter and cheese. However, if you want to freeze it, do so before adding lemon juice and cheese. Freeze in a sealed, freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge and add fresh lemon juice and cheese when reheating to restore flavor and creaminess.

Reheating

The best way to reheat leftover Lemon Pasta is gently on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of water or broth, then toss frequently until warmed through and creamy again. Microwave reheating tends to dry the pasta out or separate the sauce, so stovetop is my personal favorite method. Be careful not to overheat it, which can toughen the pasta and dull the bright lemon flavor.

FAQs

Can I use other pasta shapes for this Lemon Pasta Recipe?

Absolutely! While spaghetti works beautifully here, you can use linguine, fettuccine, or even short pasta like penne or rigatoni. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, and the sauce will coat any shape nicely.

Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?

Yes! Replace the butter with a good-quality olive oil and swap out the Parmesan for a vegan cheese alternative or nutritional yeast. The lemon and garlic flavors will still shine, making it just as delicious.

How can I make the sauce creamier without adding cream?

The creaminess comes from the butter and cheese emulsifying with the starchy pasta water. Make sure to add pasta water gradually and toss the pasta continuously to create a silky sauce. If needed, you can add a little more butter or cheese to enrich the texture.

Can I prepare this pasta ahead of time for a party?

I recommend making the components ahead but assembling the pasta right before serving. You can zest the lemons, mince garlic, and measure ingredients in advance. Cook the pasta and butter-garlic mixture shortly before your guests arrive and toss everything together for the freshest flavor.

What if I don’t have fresh lemons?

Fresh lemon juice and zest really make the dish stand out, but if you have bottled lemon juice, use it sparingly as it’s less aromatic. You might want to skip the zest or add dried lemon peel if you have it. Fresh lemons always deliver the best taste, so try to keep them on hand!

Conclusion

I hope you enjoy making and savoring this Lemon Pasta Recipe as much as I do. It’s one of those dishes that feels like sunshine in a bowl and reminds me that sometimes the simplest recipes create the biggest smiles. Give it a try when you want something quick, delicious, and a little bit special—I bet it’ll become one of your favorite go-to meals too!