Lemon Garlic Butter Spaghetti
Indulge in the refreshing flavors of Lemon Garlic Butter Spaghetti, a delightful fusion that harmonizes the creamy richness of butter with the zesty brightness of fresh lemon. This low-fat recipe is perfect for a quick and satisfying meal, whether for lunch or dinner. The minced garlic and vibrant parsley elevate the dish, making each bite a burst of flavor, while keeping it light enough to enjoy guilt-free. Perfect for busy weeknights or leisurely weekends, this dish can easily be adapted with olive oil for a vegan option. Serve it with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired for an extra touch of flavor!
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
spaghetti
500 g (or other desired pasta)
butter
100 g (without salt)
garlic
1 head (minced)
parsley
100 g (finely chopped)
fresh lemon juice
5 tablespoons (freshly squeezed)
salt
to taste
Instructions
1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
2
Once cooked, drain the pasta using a sieve, making sure not to rinse it. Retain a small amount of pasta water (about 1/2 cup) in case you need it later.
3
In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Be careful to keep it from browning - you want it to stay a creamy white color.
4
Add the minced garlic to the melted butter, stirring for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
5
Mix in the fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley, stirring to combine all the flavors.
6
Add the cooked spaghetti to the pot, gently tossing to coat the pasta with the lemon garlic butter sauce. If the pasta seems dry, add a bit of the reserved pasta water until you reach the desired consistency.
7
Season with salt to taste, mixing well.
8
Serve immediately, garnished with additional parsley or grated Parmesan if desired. Enjoy your delightful Lemon Garlic Butter Spaghetti!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lemon Garlic Butter Spaghetti?
Lemon Garlic Butter Spaghetti is a refreshing dish that combines creamy butter with zesty lemon and aromatic garlic for a light, flavorful meal.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 6 people.
What are the primary ingredients for this dish?
The main ingredients are 500g of spaghetti, 100g of butter, 1 head of garlic, 100g of parsley, 5 tablespoons of lemon juice, and salt.
Can I make this spaghetti recipe vegan?
Yes, you can easily adapt this dish for a vegan diet by substituting the butter with olive oil.
Is this recipe considered low-fat?
Yes, it is described as a low-fat recipe option suitable for those seeking lighter meal alternatives.
How long should I cook the spaghetti?
Cook the spaghetti in a large pot of salted water for about 8-10 minutes until it reaches an al dente consistency.
Should I rinse the pasta after draining?
No, you should drain the pasta using a sieve but avoid rinsing it to help the sauce adhere better.
Why should I save some pasta water?
Reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water allows you to adjust the consistency of the dish if the pasta seems too dry after tossing.
How do I prepare the garlic for this recipe?
The recipe calls for one full head of garlic that should be minced before being added to the butter.
What type of butter should I use?
The recipe specifies using 100g of unsalted butter.
How do I prevent the butter from browning?
Melt the butter over medium heat and watch it closely to ensure it stays a creamy white color.
How long do I sauté the garlic?
Stir the minced garlic into the melted butter for 1-2 minutes until it is fragrant but not browned.
How much lemon juice is needed?
The recipe requires 5 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
What kind of parsley should I use?
Use 100g of fresh parsley that has been finely chopped.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, while the recipe calls for spaghetti, you can use any other desired pasta type in the same 500g quantity.
Is this recipe suitable for a quick weeknight dinner?
Absolutely, it is categorized as a quick meal and an easy recipe, perfect for busy weeknights.
Can I add cheese to this Lemon Garlic Butter Spaghetti?
Yes, you can garnish the dish with grated Parmesan cheese if desired for an extra touch of flavor.
How do I combine the pasta and the sauce?
Add the cooked spaghetti directly into the pot with the lemon garlic butter mixture and gently toss to coat.
Is this recipe considered kosher?
Yes, the recipe includes a tag for kosher dietary requirements.
Does this dish contain dairy?
Yes, it contains butter, making it a dairy-based dish unless substitutions are made.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 6 total ingredients used in this recipe.
When should I season the dish with salt?
Add salt to taste at the very end after the pasta has been tossed with the sauce.
Should I use fresh or bottled lemon juice?
The recipe specifically recommends using freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor.
What is the best way to serve this dish?
It should be served immediately while hot, garnished with extra parsley if desired.
Is this dish light enough for lunch?
Yes, it is light enough to be enjoyed guilt-free for either lunch or dinner.
What color should the sauce be?
The sauce should be a creamy white color from the melted butter and vibrant green from the fresh parsley.
Can I use dried parsley instead of fresh?
The recipe calls for fresh parsley for its vibrant flavor, but you could use dried in a smaller quantity if fresh is unavailable.
How much pasta is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 500 grams of spaghetti.
Is the garlic flavor very strong?
Since it uses a whole head of garlic, the flavor is prominent but balanced by the lemon and butter.
What temperature should I use for the sauce?
Medium heat is recommended to melt the butter and sauté the garlic without burning them.