Lemon Pepper Pasta

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If you’re looking for a fresh, flavorful dish that’s easy to make, this Lemon Pepper Pasta is just what you need. With the perfect balance of zesty lemon and bold black pepper, combined with the richness of butter and garlic, this pasta dish comes together quickly and is bursting with vibrant flavors. Whether you’re making it as a side or a main course, it’s a great go-to recipe for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something light and refreshing.

What You’ll Need

Ingredients

  • 8 oz favorite pasta (I used Linguine)
  • ¼ cup butter
  • 1 tbsp minced garlic
  • ¼ cup lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp lemon zest
  • 1 tsp black pepper (or to preference)

Equipment I Used

How to Make It

Boil the Pasta

Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring it to a rolling boil over high heat. Once boiling, add 8 ounces of your preferred pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside. (I personally love to use Linguine for this recipe.)

Cooked Linguine drained in a colander.

Prepare the Sauce

While the pasta is cooking, melt ¼ cup of butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, add 1 tbspof minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until it becomes fragrant.

Stir in ¼ cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice, 1 tbsp of lemon zest, and 1 tsp of coarse black pepper. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. (I prefer to use less pepper in the sauce and adjust to taste when serving)

Butter, garlic, lemon juice and zest, and pepper in a saucepan.

Coat the Pasta

Return the drained pasta to the pot. Pour the lemon pepper sauce over the pasta and toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated with the sauce.

Lemon pepper sauce mixed with linguine in a pot

Serve

Plate the Lemon Pepper Pasta immediately. If desired, garnish with extra lemon zest or a sprinkle of fresh herbs for added flavor and presentation.

This Lemon Pepper Pasta is a simple yet flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The zesty lemon and bold pepper bring a refreshing twist to a classic pasta, making it a great choice for a quick weeknight meal or a light lunch. If you give it a try, let me know in the comments how it turned out and what additions you made. I’d love to hear your take on this dish!

Lemon Pepper Pasta

Lemon pepper pasta served in a white bowl.

Ingredients

  • 8 oz favorite pasta (I used Linguine)
  • ¼ cup butter
  • 1 tbsp minced garlic
  • ¼ cup lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp lemon zest
  • 1 tsp black pepper (or to preference)

Directions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your preferred pasta and cook according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta and set aside.
  2. While the pasta is cooking, melt ¼ cup of butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  3. Stir in ¼ cup of lemon juice, 1 tablespoon of lemon zest, and 1 tablespoon of coarse black pepper. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 2-3 minutes to let the flavors blend.
  4. Return the drained pasta to the pot. Pour the lemon pepper sauce over the pasta and toss until the pasta is evenly coated.
  5. Serve the Lemon Pepper Pasta immediately, garnished with additional lemon zest or fresh herbs if desired.

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