Pasta dishes not only satisfy your cravings but also bring the whole family together. It is a real crowd-pleaser and very easy to make, especially with the classic and delicious lemon butter sauce. This sauce is the perfect balance of bright and savory flavors, making it so addictive that you can easily finish a whole plate on your own.
The lemon butter sauce is popular for many reasons. Aside from its delightful taste, this sauce is also incredibly simple and quick to make. It takes less than 30 minutes to prepare, so you can have this on the table in no time. The ingredients are also very accessible; you probably already have them in your pantry.
This recipe for lemon butter sauce for pasta is so versatile that you can use it with any type of pasta you like. It is also a great base, so you can add other ingredients like cooked vegetables, herbs, or even protein. Feel free to get creative and make this recipe your own!
Ingredients and Equipment
To make this delectable lemon butter sauce for pasta, you will need these ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, divided
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 pound pasta, cooked according to package directions
You will also need the following equipment:
- Large saucepan
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
How to Make Lemon Butter Sauce for Pasta
Follow these steps to make this delicious lemon butter sauce for pasta:
- Melt 1/2 cup of the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the Parmesan cheese, parsley, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to the saucepan. Whisk to combine.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Remove the sauce from the heat and whisk in the remaining 1/2 cup of butter until melted and smooth.
- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat.
- Serve immediately topped with additional Parmesan cheese and parsley, if desired.
Tips or Possible Variations
Here are some tips and possible variations for this recipe for lemon butter sauce for pasta:
- If you don’t have fresh lemon juice, you can use 1/4 cup of bottled lemon juice.
- To make a richer sauce, use heavy cream instead of butter.
- Add some cooked vegetables to the sauce, such as broccoli, asparagus, or bell peppers.
- For a more flavorful sauce, use a combination of lemon juice and white wine.
- If you want a spicier sauce, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
You can also use this lemon butter sauce as a dip for breadsticks or vegetables. It is also a great addition to grilled chicken or fish.