Overview

Lemon Garlic Butter Noodles are a quick and flavorful dish featuring tender pasta tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce with a bright lemon flavor. Perfect as a side dish or a light main course!

Ingredients

• 12 ounces pasta (such as spaghetti, fettuccine, or linguine)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest (from about 1 lemon)
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 1-2 lemons)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Timing

Making Lemon Garlic Butter Noodles takes about 10 minutes for preparation and 10 minutes for cooking.

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Boil Water: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook Pasta: Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

1. Melt Butter: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter.
2. Sauté Garlic: Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
3. Add Lemon: Stir in the lemon zest and lemon juice. Let the mixture simmer for about 1 minute.

Step 3: Combine Pasta and Sauce

1. Add Pasta: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the lemon garlic butter sauce. Toss to combine, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired sauce consistency.
2. Season: Season with salt and pepper to taste. If using, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined.

Step 4: Serve

1. Plate the Noodles: Divide the lemon garlic butter noodles among serving plates.
2. Garnish: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
3. Enjoy: Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious Lemon Garlic Butter Noodles!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of the Lemon Garlic Butter Noodles (per serving, based on 4 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	400
Protein	10g
Fat	20g
Carbohydrates	45g
Fiber	2g
Sugar	1g

Tips for Customization

• Add Protein: Incorporate grilled chicken, shrimp, or sautéed vegetables for a more filling meal.
• Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
• Herb Variations: Experiment with other herbs like thyme or basil for added flavor.

Conclusion

Lemon Garlic Butter Noodles are a simple yet delicious dish that highlights the bright flavors of lemon and garlic in a buttery sauce. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or as a delightful side dish!