One-Pot Garlic Butter Lemon Pasta

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-05-11 · Updated 2026-05-11

A simple, comforting pasta dish with a bright lemony flavor and rich garlic butter sauce, perfect for a quick weeknight meal. This Italian-inspired pasta recipe (vegetarian), ready in about 20 minutes, pairs spaghetti, unsalted butter, garlic cloves, minced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 4, 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.

Ingredients

• 8 oz spaghetti
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

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Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large skillet or shallow pot, melt 4 tbsp unsalted butter over medium heat until foaming. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
2. Step 2: Pour in 2 cups vegetable broth and add 8 oz spaghetti broken in half to fit, stirring to submerge the pasta. Bring to a gentle boil, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer uncovered for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally until pasta is al dente and most liquid is absorbed.
3. Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1 tsp lemon zest, 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese, 1 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Toss well until the cheese melts and coats the pasta evenly.
4. Step 4: Remove from heat and sprinkle with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley before serving warm.