Easy Lemon Pasta

This easy lemon pasta recipe features spaghetti tossed in a zesty lemon-garlic olive oil sauce with fresh parsley and optional Parmesan. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners, light meals, or a refreshing spring pasta dish.

Ingredients

• 12 ounces spaghetti
• Kosher salt, for pasta water
• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil, plus more if needed
• 6 large garlic cloves, minced
• ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• Zest of 2 lemons
• Juice of 1 lemon
• ½ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Black pepper, to taste
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional), plus more for serving

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Instructions

1. Cook the pasta
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente (about 8 minutes). Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water before draining.
2. Prepare the lemon-garlic sauce
   While pasta is cooking, heat ¼ cup olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes, stirring for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Whisk in lemon juice and ¼ cup of the reserved pasta water.
3. Combine pasta and sauce
   Add drained pasta to the skillet. Toss over medium heat until spaghetti is well coated with the sauce.
4. Finish and serve
   Remove from heat and stir in parsley, lemon zest, and Parmesan cheese if using. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Add additional pasta water or olive oil if needed for creaminess. Serve immediately.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy weeknight pasta with fresh lemon flavor.
• Bright, zesty, and light—perfect for spring and summer meals.
• Uses simple pantry ingredients with minimal prep.

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Tips

• Reserve pasta water—it helps bind the sauce to the noodles.
• Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best flavor.
• Cook garlic gently to avoid burning and bitterness.

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Variations and Substitutions

• Pasta: Swap spaghetti for fettuccine, linguine, or penne.
• Cheese: Use Pecorino Romano instead of Parmesan.
• Herbs: Add basil, thyme, or chives for extra flavor.
• Protein: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or sautéed mushrooms for a more substantial dish.

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FAQs

Can I make this pasta ahead of time?
It’s best served fresh, but you can prepare the pasta and sauce separately and combine just before serving.

Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes, omit Parmesan or use a dairy-free alternative.

How do I make it spicier?
Increase the red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.

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Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a side salad or roasted vegetables.
• Pair with crusty garlic bread for a complete meal.
• Garnish with extra parsley, lemon zest, or a drizzle of olive oil.