Spaghetti Tossed in Lemon Butter with Garlic and Parmesan
A simple Italian pasta dish where spaghetti is coated in a bright lemon butter sauce with garlic and Parmesan for a fresh yet comforting meal. This italian-inspired pasta 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 520 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
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: While pasta cooks, melt 6 tbsp unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden but not browned.
- Step 3: Stir in 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice and 1 tsp lemon zest into the skillet, cooking for 30 seconds to combine.
- Step 4: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet along with 1/2 cup reserved pasta water, 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Toss vigorously for 1 minute until the cheese melts and coats every strand with a glossy sauce.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley before serving immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spaghetti Tossed in Lemon Butter with Garlic and Parmesan take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 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 Spaghetti Tossed in Lemon Butter with Garlic and Parmesan?
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 Spaghetti Tossed in Lemon Butter with Garlic and Parmesan?
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 Spaghetti Tossed in Lemon Butter with Garlic and Parmesan for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Spaghetti Tossed in Lemon Butter with Garlic and Parmesan?
Italian pasta 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.
