Ingredients:

  • 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti or linguine
  • Salt (for boiling water)
  • 4 tablespoons (56 g) unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large lemon (zest and juice)
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or basil
  • ½ cup (120 ml) grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until just al dente, about 1-2 minutes less than package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain.
  2. While pasta cooks, zest and juice the lemon. Mince garlic finely.
  3. In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30-40 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Pour in lemon juice and zest. Stir to combine. Add red pepper flakes if desired.
  5. Add drained pasta to the skillet. Toss to coat evenly. If needed, add reserved pasta water to adjust consistency.
  6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in Parmesan cheese if using. Sprinkle chopped parsley or basil on top.
  7. Serve immediately, optionally extra lemon juice or zest for brightness.