Name: Simple Lemon Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 9 oz pasta of choice; 2 tbsp butter; 1 tbsp olive oil; 3-4 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup dry white wine; Salt and pepper, to taste; 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice; 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Jump to Recipe

Introduction

This Simple Lemon Parmesan Pasta is a bright and flavorful dish that’s ready in minutes. Combining the fresh zest of lemon with rich Parmesan cheese, it makes a perfect light meal or side dish.

The image shows a close-up of a white plate filled with creamy fettuccine pasta. There are many flat, wide noodles layered evenly, covered with a smooth and slightly shiny sauce that looks rich and thick. Small black pepper flakes are sprinkled on top, adding specks of dark color over the light beige pasta. In the corner of the plate, a silver fork is inserted inside the noodles, with a woman's hand lightly holding the fork. The surface under the plate is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

9 oz pasta of choice
2 tbsp butter
1 tbsp olive oil
3-4 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup dry white wine
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Step 1: Cook your pasta according to the directions on the packaging. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add butter and olive oil, then reduce the heat slightly and stir in the minced garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3: Pour in the white wine, season with salt and pepper, and let it cook down for 4-5 minutes until slightly reduced.
Step 4: Lower the heat to low. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet along with the fresh lemon juice and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir everything together until well combined. Adjust seasoning with extra black pepper if desired, and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

For a creamier texture, add a splash of pasta cooking water or a little cream while mixing the pasta.
Swap white wine for vegetable broth if you prefer a non-alcoholic version.
Add fresh herbs like parsley or basil for extra color and flavor.
For protein, toss in cooked chicken or sautéed shrimp to make it more filling.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce and prevent drying out.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a white plate filled with wide, flat fettuccine pasta coated in a creamy light beige sauce. The noodles are layered in loose folds, glistening slightly with oil or butter, and sprinkled with small black pepper flakes that add contrast. A fork is resting on the right side of the plate, partially inserted under some pasta ribbons. The background features a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta?

Yes, this recipe works well with a variety of pasta shapes like spaghetti, linguine, penne, or fusilli—choose your favorite.

Is it okay to skip the wine?

Absolutely. You can substitute the white wine with vegetable broth or additional lemon juice for a similar depth of flavor without alcohol.