Zesty Lemon Pasta with Garlic & Olive Oil

If you’re looking for a pasta dish that’s both vibrant and soul-satisfying, Easy Lemon Pasta is about to become your weeknight favorite. This recipe spotlights zesty lemon, savory garlic, and a punch of fresh herbs all swirled together with golden olive oil—without a drop of cream. It comes together in under 20 minutes and feels fancier than takeout. Ready to zest up your dinner routine? Visit our shop to browse quality Mediterranean ingredients including the olive oil used in this recipe, and bring those sunny citrus flavors right to your table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This straightforward ingredient list is proof that simple pantry staples can create big, memorable flavors. Every component has a delicious role—from the bold garlic to the pop of parsley and nutty parmesan, each one boosts the taste, texture, or signature color of your homemade lemon pasta.

• Spaghetti (12 ounces): The classic pasta shape for this dish, though other long noodles work too—think linguine or angel hair!
• Kosher Salt: Heavily salting your water brings out the pasta’s natural flavor; don’t skip it.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: The foundation of your sauce—choose a robust, quality oil for depth and aroma. Visit our shop to browse quality Mediterranean ingredients including the olive oil used in this recipe.
• Garlic (6 large cloves, minced): Delivers that unmistakable warmth and a gentle kick to coat each strand.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (1/2 teaspoon, plus more): Adds just the right amount of gentle heat—customize to your liking.
• Zest of 2 Lemons: The real secret to lemony brightness—use a microplane for best results.
• Juice of 1 Lemon: Freshly squeezed only; it’s the backbone of the tangy sauce.
• Fresh Parsley (1/2 cup, chopped): Brings color and a touch of grassy freshness for balance.
• Black Pepper: Cracked fresh over the top gives a gentle bite and rounds out the flavors.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese (optional, 1/4 cup+): Melts to bring a silky edge and salty complexity—add more if you like!

How to Make Zesty Lemon Pasta with Garlic & Olive Oil

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a big pot of water to a rolling boil—don’t be shy with the salt (it should taste almost like the sea). Add your pasta and cook until it’s al dente, usually about eight minutes. Be sure to reserve a good cup of that starchy magic pasta water before you drain; it’s essential for pulling your sauce together in the final step.

Step 2: Make the Lemon-Garlic Olive Oil Sauce

About five minutes into the pasta cooking, heat your extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, stirring just until fragrant—about 30 seconds, no longer, so you don’t risk burning the garlic. Quickly whisk in the fresh lemon juice and about 1/4 cup of the reserved pasta water, setting the rest aside for later adjustments. Visit our shop to browse quality Mediterranean ingredients including the olive oil used in this recipe for a truly authentic Mediterranean taste.

Step 3: Coat the Pasta in the Oil

Drain the cooked pasta and directly add it to your waiting skillet. You want every strand glossy and glistening, so toss well over medium heat until it’s beautifully coated in the lemony, garlicky oil. This step is where the flavors truly soak in.

Step 4: Finish and Serve

Take the skillet off the heat and shower in chopped parsley, the vibrant lemon zest, and the parmesan (if you’re using). Season generously with salt and cracked black pepper, then give everything a final toss, adding a splash or two more pasta water and another drizzle of olive oil, if needed, for sheen and silkiness. Serve this sunshine-swirled pasta immediately for best flavor and texture!

How to Serve Zesty Lemon Pasta with Garlic & Olive Oil

Garnishes

Finish with an extra sprinkle of parmesan, a pinch of fresh lemon zest, or a handful of fresh herbs. For a bolder kick, add an extra dash of red pepper flakes and a flourish of cracked black pepper. These simple touches are the secret to a restaurant-worthy bowl that looks as lovely as it tastes.

Side Dishes

This savory lemon pasta pairs perfectly with crisp green salads dressed in a zingy vinaigrette, or a side of garlicky sautéed greens like spinach or broccolini. It’s also fantastic alongside grilled chicken or Mediterranean-inspired fish—just don’t forget your crusty bread to mop up any flavorful sauce left behind.

Creative Ways to Present

You can swirl the pasta into nests for a refined dinner-party look or pile it high family-style for a casual meal. Toss in baby arugula or roasted cherry tomatoes for pops of color and freshness. For an upscale twist, top with quick-roasted shrimp or a scattering of toasted pine nuts. Visit our shop to browse quality Mediterranean ingredients including the olive oil used in this recipe for all your gourmet additions.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Easy Lemon Pasta is best enjoyed fresh, but it will keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Store without garnishes to help keep everything perky and flavorful when you’re ready to reheat.

Freezing

Because this recipe relies on simple fresh elements rather than a heavy sauce, freezing is not recommended—it can alter both the texture of the pasta and the punch of the lemon and herbs. Best to eat it up over a couple of days instead!

Reheating

Reheat portions in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of reserved pasta water (or regular water) to revive the sauce and loosen the noodles. Add a swirl of olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh herbs just before serving, and it’ll taste nearly as good as when first made.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While spaghetti is classic, this dish loves other long shapes like linguine or even angel hair. Just follow the same cooking method and adjust cook times as needed.

How do I make this recipe vegan?

Simply skip the parmesan cheese or swap in your favorite plant-based alternative. The bright flavors of lemon, garlic, and quality olive oil do most of the heavy lifting, making it easy to keep this dish vegan-friendly.

Is this recipe very spicy?

The amount of red pepper flakes is entirely up to you. Start with the suggested amount and add more to taste if you love heat—or skip it altogether for a milder version. Visit our shop to browse quality Mediterranean ingredients including the olive oil used in this recipe and find your favorite Mediterranean spices to experiment with flavor.

How much pasta water should I reserve?

Always set aside at least one cup before draining your noodles. You may not need all of it, but that salty, starchy water is gold for loosening the sauce and making everything silky and cohesive at the end.

Can I add protein or vegetables?

Definitely! This pasta is a great canvas for shredded rotisserie chicken, grilled seafood, or tender cannellini beans. Toss in steamed asparagus, sweet peas, or roasted artichokes for extra color and a boost of nutrition.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about a dish that’s this gorgeous, simple, and satisfying. When you want an effortlessly elegant dinner that brings a little sunshine to your table, Easy Lemon Pasta is always a hit. Don’t forget to visit our shop to browse quality Mediterranean ingredients including the olive oil used in this recipe—your next kitchen favorite may only be a click away!

Visit our shop to browse quality Mediterranean ingredients including the olive oil used in this recipe

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 25 reviews

This Easy Lemon Pasta recipe offers a lighter, cream-free version of spaghetti al limone with a burst of lemon and garlic flavors, all ready in under 20 minutes!

• Author: Paula
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 17 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian/Mediterranean
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Ingredients:

• 12 ounces spaghetti
• Kosher salt
• Extra virgin olive oil
• 6 large garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, plus more to your liking
• Zest of 2 lemons
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Black pepper
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional), plus more to your liking

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta: Boil a pot of salted water and cook spaghetti al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water.
2. Make the lemon-garlic olive oil sauce: Heat olive oil, garlic, red pepper flakes. Add lemon juice and pasta water.
3. Coat the pasta: Drain spaghetti and toss in the skillet until coated.
4. Finish and serve: Add parsley, lemon zest, Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Toss and serve.

Notes

Notes:

• Consider using angel hair pasta as an alternative.
• Variation: Add chicken piccata or shredded cooked chicken to the pasta.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet with a little water.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 352.5 kcal
• Sugar: 2.4g
• Sodium: 123.6mg
• Fat: 3.2g
• Saturated Fat: 1.2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 1.2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 66.5g
• Fiber: 3.2g
• Protein: 13.5g
• Cholesterol: 5.4mg