Lemon Butter Garlic Pasta Sauce

Here’s a simple and delicious recipe for Lemon Butter Garlic Pasta Sauce that you can use for pasta or as a base for other dishes:

Ingredients:

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 lemon (zested and juiced)
  • ½ cup heavy cream (optional for a richer sauce)
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Pasta water (as needed to thin the sauce)
  • Cooked pasta of your choice

Instructions:

  1. Melt Butter: In a large pan, melt the butter over medium heat until it starts to foam but doesn’t brown.
  2. Sauté Garlic: Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly until fragrant (be careful not to burn the garlic).
  3. Add Lemon: Stir in the lemon zest and lemon juice, and cook for another minute.
  4. Add Cream (Optional): If using heavy cream, stir it into the sauce and bring it to a simmer. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  5. Season: Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and a little bit of pasta water if needed to adjust the consistency.
  6. Add Pasta: Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce and mix well until coated.
  7. Garnish: Add the Parmesan cheese, if using, and stir. Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley.
  8. Serve: Serve immediately with extra Parmesan and lemon wedges on the side if desired.

Tips:

  • If you prefer a lighter sauce, skip the cream and cheese for a fresh and bright lemony flavor.
  • The reserved pasta water helps emulsify the sauce, giving it a silky texture.

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