One-Pan Lemon Garlic Butter Pasta

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A weeknight dinner that comes together in under 20 minutes, featuring tender pasta coated in a fragrant lemon-garlic butter sauce. The simplicity of this dish makes it a perfect go-to for busy evenings. This italian-inspired quick meals ready in about 25 minutes pairs spaghetti, olive oil, garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 650 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.5 (13 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 2 Italian cuisine 650 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, add 8 oz spaghetti, and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
  2. Step 2: While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, add 4 minced garlic cloves, and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant and golden — do not let the garlic brown.
  3. Step 3: Add 1/4 cup unsalted butter to the skillet, stir until melted, then stir in the zest and juice of 1/2 lemon, followed by the drained pasta and 2 tbsp reserved pasta water. Toss for 1-2 minutes until the sauce coats the pasta.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat, stir in 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese and 1/4 cup chopped parsley, then season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper to taste.

Frequently asked questions

How long does One-Pan Lemon Garlic Butter Pasta take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover One-Pan Lemon Garlic Butter Pasta?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep spaghetti from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pan Lemon Garlic Butter Pasta?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale One-Pan Lemon Garlic Butter Pasta for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with One-Pan Lemon Garlic Butter Pasta?

Italian quick meals like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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