Lemon Garlic Pasta

Lemon Garlic Pasta- Fresh lemon juice, zest, and garlic are simmered with olive oil to make a fragrant sauce. Toss in your favorite pasta, add some grated parmesan and garnish with chopped parsley. This lemon garlic pasta is a quick, easy, and delicious meal for any night of the week. 

Lemons and garlic are versatile ingredients that you can use in a variety of dishes. They are both excellent ways to add some extra zest to your food. Lemon and garlic can add flavor to chicken, fish, vegetables, pasta, rice, and more. They are also a great way to increase the nutritional value of your diet. Lemon is rich in vitamin C, while garlic is full of antioxidants. So when you use lemons and garlic in your cooking, you're not only getting a delicious meal, you're also getting one that's good for you!

This lemon garlic pasta is a simple and delicious way to spruce up your weeknight dinners. The combination of lemon and garlic is a classic flavor pairing that you can't beat. And, of course, pasta is always a good idea. This dish comes together in just a few minutes, so it's perfect for busy weeknights. You'll have a delicious and healthy meal that the whole family will love. So go ahead and give lemon garlic pasta a try tonight.

Why You'll Love This Lemon Garlic Pasta Recipe

Flavorful- Fresh lemon juice, zest, garlic, and parmesan will have your tastebuds zinging!

Quick and Easy- Lemon garlic pasta doesn't require much prep work or cooking time. It's the ideal meal for busy weeknights because it can be on the table in less than 30 minutes.

Delicious- This dish is restaurant quality and perfect for a date night in, special occasions, or to impress dinner guests.

Simple Ingredients- You probably have most, if not all, of the ingredients needed to make this lemon garlic pasta in your pantry and fridge already.

Family-Friendly-  Kids and adults alike will love this delicious pasta dish with lemon garlic sauce.

Equipment Needed To Make Pasta With Lemon Garlic Sauce

• Large Pot
• Colander
• Large Skillet
• Knife
• Citrus Zester
• Stirring Spoon
• Measuring Cups and Spoons

Ingredients Needed For Lemon Garlic Pasta

• Pasta (Desired Kind)
• Olive Oil
• Garlic Cloves
• Lemon Juice
• Lemon Zest
• Black Pepper
• Parmesan Cheese
• Parsley

How To Make The Best Pasta With Lemon Garlic Sauce

Lemon garlic pasta may sound like a complex dish to make at home, but it's actually very easy! Start by cooking your favorite pasta according to the package instructions. While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic cloves to the skillet and cook until fragrant. Then, add lemon juice, lemon zest, and black pepper to the skillet and allow the sauce to simmer until reduced by half.

Once the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander, reserving about ⅓ cup of pasta water. Add the pasta to the skillet with the lemon garlic sauce. Toss the pasta with lemon garlic sauce, reserved pasta water, and parmesan cheese. Cook until you have an emulsified sauce. Stir until the pasta is coated evenly with sauce. Serve warm, garnished with chopped parsley and grated parmesan.

What to Serve/Pair With Lemon Garlic Pasta

This lemon garlic pasta pairs well with a variety of different dishes. Try serving it with:

• A simple green salad
• Roasted chicken
• Sauteed shrimp
• Grilled salmon
• Steamed broccoli
• Roasted Brussels sprouts

Popular Substitutions & Additions

There are a few popular substitutions and additions that you can make to tailor it to your specific tastes.

• Some people like adding a bit of crushed red pepper flakes to the dish for a bit of spice.
• Others find that adding a tablespoon or two of heavy cream to the sauce helps to create a richer and more decadent dish.
• If you're looking for a bit of extra protein, try adding cooked chicken, shrimp, or even crumbled bacon to the pasta.
• Finally, omit the parmesan cheese or substitute it with a vegan variety if you want to make the dish vegetarian or vegan.

No matter how you make it, this lemon garlic pasta will surely be a hit!

How To Reheat & Store Pasta With Homemade Lemon Garlic Sauce

If you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you're ready to eat them, reheat them in a skillet over medium heat until warm. You may need to add a splash of water or chicken broth to help loosen the sauce.

This lemon garlic pasta is also freezer-friendly! Store leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and then reheat.

Easy Lemon Garlic Pasta FAQs

Do I need to use fresh lemon juice? 

No, you can use bottled lemon juice if that's what you have on hand. However, fresh lemon juice will provide the best flavor.

Can the lemon garlic sauce be creamier?

Yes, you can add a tablespoon or two of heavy cream to the sauce while it's simmering. Adding heavy cream will create a richer and more decadent sauce.

Can I use any pasta I want in this recipe?

Yes, feel free to use whichever type of pasta you prefer. Bowtie, shells, and rotini all work well with this dish.

My sauce is too thick. Is there a way to fix it?

Yes. If you find that your sauce is too thick, add a bit of pasta water to the skillet until you reach your desired consistency. Likewise, if your sauce is too runny, cook it over medium heat until it has thickened to your liking.

Can I make this lemon garlic recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can absolutely make the lemon garlic sauce ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you're ready to use it, simply reheat it in a skillet before tossing it with cooked pasta.