This Lemon Butter Sauce for Pasta is a quick, simple, yet delicious recipe, perfect for a fast and flavorful lunch you’ll crave again and again. This 15-minute recipe is bursting with bright lemon, rich butter, with naturally creaminess, where no heavy cream is needed! A simple delight that can easily be personalized by adding your favourite protein or roasted veggies. Serve with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
If you’ve been searching for a lemon pasta recipe without cream, this one’s a winner to whip up a sauce that’s bright, rich, and naturally creamy. It just takes a few pantry common ingredients that probably everyone already has at home.
In Italy, it is known as Pasta al Limone, which means “pasta with lemon.” You may find this one of the simplest and most delicious pasta recipes you’ll ever make. As the name suggests, Lemon Butter Sauce for Pasta gets its irresistible flavor from the classic trio of lemon, garlic, and butter; they create magic together. This dish doesn’t rely on heavy cream; the starch from the golden pasta water creates that silky, velvety texture we all love.
Why You’ll Love This Lemon Butter Sauce for Pasta
- Takes just 15 minutes. You can have a bowl of delicious lemon butter pasta on the table before you finish your favorite playlist. That’s what I want to hear: “I’m impressed form your super fast dish!
- Simple yet flavorful. The lemon keeps it fresh, while butter adds richness; these two ingredients make an amazing flavour combo, just perfect for a no-frills pasta dish.
- Natural creaminess. The secret ingredient is golden starchy pasta water makes the sauce creamier.
- So versatile. This creamy lemon butter sauce for pasta is great on its own, or you can make it a full meal by adding proteins and roasted veggies.
Ingredients for Pasta al limone
Pasta (300g): I love pairing this lemon butter sauce with linguine, but any pasta shape works beautifully, like spaghetti, tagliatelle, rigatoni, or penne. All these pasta types soak up the sauce perfectly, so select according to your preference.
Olive oil (2tbs): Always go for a good-quality extra virgin olive oil; it sets the tone for the whole dish.
Unsalted butter (1 tbsp): Unsalted Butter is the best choice to use so that you can control the seasoning. Skip extra salt at first if you’re using salted butter.
Garlic (6 cloves): I like to use at least six cloves, thinly sliced or finely minced, for that mellow golden flavor. You can say it’s the heart of the recipe!
Red chili flakes (1/2 tsp): Add for a gentle kick for depth, or add more if you prefer your pasta fiery. Skip chilli flakes for a milder version.
Lemon (1): You’ll need both the zest and juice of one medium lemon. I prefer organic or unwaxed lemons for pure citrus aroma.
Parmesan (1/2 cup): Freshly grated Parmesan gives the best flavor and texture to pasta dishes. If you’re vegetarian, choose labelled rennet-free hard Italian cheese.
Fresh parsley (optional): Adds a pop of color and freshness.
How to Make Lemon Butter Garlic Pasta
Boil your favorite pasta shape in salted water until al dente. Reserve about 1–2 cups of that starchy pasta water before draining.
Take a large pan, heat olive oil and melt the butter together over low-medium heat. Add the garlic and red chili flakes, stirring gently for 1–2 minutes until the garlic turns golden in colour, don’t burn it.
Transfer the boiled pasta into the pan and toss the drained pasta in butter sauce using kitchen tongs. Add a splash of pasta water until the noodles are coated and glossy.
Stir in the lemon zest and juice, then add Parmesan. Toss again until everything comes together in a light, creamy coating.
Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley, extra lemon zest, or more cheese if you like additional toppings. Serve immediately for the best flavors and texture.
Recipe Tips
- Use less water than usual while boiling the pasta; this makes the pasta water extra starchy. The starchier water makes the sauce creamier.
- Always grate your fresh Parmesan yourself for the richest, most authentic taste.
- This pasta tastes best right away; it doesn’t reheat well because the sauce can separate.
- Try sautéed shrimp, grilled chicken, or roasted veggies for an easy, healthy twist.
What to Serve With?
Since this Lemon Butter Garlic Pasta pairs beautifully with something light and fresh decadent dish to balance it out. I suggest serving it alongside roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or cauliflower. Their crisp texture and subtle char add the perfect contrast to the creamy pasta. A fresh green salad with a tangy dressing, such as my homemade vinaigrette dressing, also works wonderfully to brighten the flavours and add variety to the meal.
Store and Reheat Leftover Pasta
Store your leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For reheating pasta, you can either use the microwave or the stovetop. For using the microwave, simply drizzle a bit of reserved pasta water or milk over the pasta and heat it for 1–2 minutes, stirring halfway through until it’s warm and creamy again.
More Pasta Recipes
Pasta Carbonara with Philadelphia Cream Cheese
Best 4-Ingredient Garlic Pasta Recipe
Fall Pasta Salad Recipe with Maple Vinaigrette
Vodka Sauce Pasta with Sausage-Penne alla Vodka
Creamy Tomato Pasta Sauce without Cream
Final Thoughts
This Lemon Butter Sauce for Pasta proves that simplicity can be absolutely luxurious. You get a comforting, restaurant-quality dish with just a few basic ingredients: lemon, garlic, butter, and pasta water that feels elegant but is totally effortless. Every bite bursts with zesty lemon brightness, rich buttery smoothness, and unmatchable natural creaminess that you have never had before.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use vegan butter?
Yes, you can, but be sure to use high-fat butter, as they are cultured butter, unlike other creamy substitutes.
Why is my lemon butter sauce too sour?
Suppose you used too little butter or want to swap it with a low-fat version; that could cause the sauce to taste sour. Adding more butter can balance the flavor.
How to make pasta extra tasty?
Adding a generous amount of salt to the water while boiling pasta helps to add flavor to the dish.
Can I use gluten-free pasta?
Yes, you can use gluten-free pasta, but as starchy pasta water is essential for creating the sauce’s creamy texture. Gluten-free pasta doesn’t release the same starch, so that the sauce won’t turn out as rich.
