Indulge in the Luxurious Flavors of Lemon Butter Garlic Pasta Sauce
Introduction:
Elevate your pasta experience with the exquisite taste of Lemon Butter Garlic Pasta Sauce, also known as Pasta al Limone. This classic Italian dish combines the vibrant flavors of tangy lemon, rich butter, and aromatic garlic, creating a velvety sauce that coats every strand of pasta with perfection. In this comprehensive recipe guide, we’ll take you through the step-by-step process of creating this culinary masterpiece, along with nutritional information and Smart WW Points to help you make informed choices about your meals.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound pasta of your choice (such as spaghetti or fettuccine)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Zest of 2 lemons
- Juice of 2 lemons
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions:
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a large skillet or saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
- Add Lemon Zest and Juice: Stir in the lemon zest and lemon juice, then reduce the heat to low. Allow the flavors to meld together for a few minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the lemon butter garlic sauce. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed to achieve your desired consistency.
- Add Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and toss again until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish and Serve: Transfer the Lemon Butter Garlic Pasta to serving plates or a large platter. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and added freshness.
- Enjoy: Serve the pasta immediately, while it’s still hot and flavorful. Pair it with a crisp salad or crusty bread for a complete meal that’s sure to delight your taste buds.
Nutritional Information:
- Serving Size: 1 cup cooked pasta with sauce
- Calories: 400
- Total Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 350mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 45g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 12g
Smart WW Points:
- Each serving of Lemon Butter Garlic Pasta is approximately 12 Smart WW Points, based on the ingredients used and serving size.
Conclusion:
With its luxurious blend of flavors and velvety texture, Lemon Butter Garlic Pasta Sauce is a culinary masterpiece that’s perfect for any occasion. Treat yourself to the indulgent taste of tangy lemon, rich butter, and savory garlic, all combined to create a sauce that’s simply irresistible. Try this recipe today and experience the exquisite pleasure of Pasta al Limone!