Lemon Pepper Pasta

Bright, zesty, and irresistibly creamy, this Lemon Pepper Pasta is a quick and flavorful dish perfect for weeknight dinners or elegant entertaining. Featuring al dente spaghetti tossed in a luscious butter and olive oil sauce infused with fresh garlic, tangy lemon zest, and the bold kick of freshly cracked black pepper, this pasta is a celebration of simple yet vibrant flavors. Finished with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and a touch of fresh parsley, this recipe strikes the perfect balance of richness and freshness. Ready in just 25 minutes, this dish is an easy, crowd-pleasing option that pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or crusty bread. Perfect for fans of quick pasta recipes, citrus-infused dishes, and classic Parmesan pairings, this Lemon Pepper Pasta is a meal you'll come back to again and again!

Nutriscore Rating: 58/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:25 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 oz spaghetti (or pasta of choice)
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 large garlic cloves
• 2 tsp lemon zest
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp freshly cracked black pepper
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley (optional, chopped)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup pasta water

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

While the pasta is cooking, prepare the sauce. In a large skillet or saucepan, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat.

Step 3

Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic brown.

Step 4

Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and cracked black pepper. Cook for 1 minute, allowing the flavors to infuse into the butter.

Step 5

Lower the heat and add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss the pasta in the lemon-pepper mixture until evenly coated.

Step 6

Gradually sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese, tossing the pasta as you go. Add a few tablespoons of reserved pasta water at a time to create a smooth, glossy sauce.

Step 7

Taste and adjust seasoning by adding more salt or pepper if needed.

Step 8

Garnish with freshly chopped parsley (if using) and serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(807.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1583.5

Total Fat 103.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 48.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 204mg	0%
Sodium 3739.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 120.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 9.7g	0%
Total Sugars 3.5g
Protein 54.2g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 999.0mg	0%
Iron 5.8mg	0%
Potassium 383.3mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 57.2%

Protein: 13.3%

Carbs: 29.5%