Don’t be fooled by the word “simple” – this recipe may be simple, but its flavor is anything but! This Simple Lemon Garlic Pasta is bursting with aromatic shallots, fresh garlic, and vibrant lemon for a classic flavor profile that truly cannot be beat. Make it this Valentine’s Day, or anytime that you’re looking for the perfect, simple, yet luxurious dinner!
Friends, can you BELIEVE that Valentine’s Day is right around the corner?! I can’t. It feels like Christmas was just yesterday, and time is going by quicker than ever before!
But with that said, I have to say, Valentine’s Day is one of my favorite times of year. I love the energy of love in the air, and I love that it’s an excuse to eat all of the chocolate. Not that we need an excuse, but hey, I’ll take it!
Plus, my Valentine’s Day recipes are some of my favorites. I mean, who doesn’t love Gluten-Free Warm Lava Cakes for Two or Strawberry Chia Linzer Cookies?! These are two of my favorite Valentine’s Day recipes, and every year, I get messages from people who made them for the holiday, and, no pun intended, it makes my heart so happy!
Also, in typical Kalejunkie fashion, both of these recipes are gluten-free, so they’re a bit lighter than your traditional Valentine’s Day recipes, but without sacrificing the flavor. That’s what I’d call a win-win!
If you’re planning something special for you and your sweetie for Valentine’s Day (or for yourself, because you deserve to be celebrated too!) then I highly recommend making one of those recipes for dessert, and making this Simple Lemon Pasta for dinner! This Simple Lemon Pasta is the perfect dish to precede a warm lava cake or a few linzer cookies, and hopefully a glass of wine or two!
But, back to the Lemon Pasta. This recipe requires only 9 ingredients, and comes together in less than 30 minutes. Valentine’s Day aside, this is the perfect dish to whip up any time you want a quick and delicious lunch or dinner!
What You Need to Make This Simple Lemon Pasta
As the name implies, this lemon pasta recipe is incredibly simple to make! The ingredients list is comprised mostly of pantry staples, and couldn’t be any easier!
- Fettuccini: I love using fettuccini in this recipe, and you can use a conventional wheat-based fettuccini or a rice-based gluten-free fettuccini! Both work well in this recipe. 🙂
- Butter: Both regular butter and vegan butter work well in this recipe!
- Olive Oil: Olive oil is my favorite for pasta recipes, because it’s heart-healthy and full of healthy fats. I recommend using a high-quality olive oil if you can – Trader Joe’s has a great California Olive Oil for under $10!
- Garlic: Fresh garlic is always best, so if you have it, I recommend using it! Otherwise, you can substitute for 1 1/2 teaspoons of granulated garlic powder.
- Shallot: Shallots are one of my favorite staple ingredients, because they add the perfect balance of aromatics.
- Dry White Wine: Dry white wines are higher in acidity, which will help to complement the lemony flavor in this pasta! If you’re particular about your wine, even for cooking, I recommend picking a Sauvignon Blanc that has citrus notes, to further compliment the lemon. Yum!
- Salt and Pepper: Of course, any good pasta recipe needs a little salt and pepper!
- Lemon Juice + Zest: In this recipe, you’ll need the juice from about one large lemon, plus the zest. This will ensure that the bright, vibrant, lemony flavor really sines through!
- Parmesan Cheese: As always, I recommend using freshly grated parmesan, if you can. The flavor is infinitely better than the pre-grated stuff, and it’s not loaded with unnecessary preservatives.
How to Make This Quick, 30 Minute Pasta Dish
Making my Simple Lemon Garlic Pasta truly could not be easier! Simply boil your pasta until it’s fully cooked, and while it’s cooking, make the sauce. Add your butter and oil to a skillet, and cook your garlic and shallots for only 30 seconds. Then, add-in the wine, salt, and pepper, and your sauce is complete! Toss in the pasta, top with the lemon juice + zest and cheese, and serve! It couldn’t be any easier than that!
I hope you guys love this recipe! If you make it, be sure to leave a comment below and let me know what you think! And if you post to Instagram, I repost your remakes on my IG stories! xx
Ingredients
- 12 Ounces Fettuccini
- 3 Tablespoons Butter
- 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
- 4 Cloves Garlic, minced or mashed
- 1 Shallot Finely Minced
- ¼ Cup Dry White Wine
- Salt and Pepper, to taste
- 3 Tablespoons Lemon Juice + Zest of One Lemon
- ½ Cup Parmesan Cheese, grated
Instructions
- Start by heating a pot of water on the stove, on high. Salt the water generously with kosher salt.
- Then, add in your fettuccini, cooking until al dente.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat and add in the butter and the oil.
- Reduce heat to low heat and stir in garlic and shallots, cooking them for about 30 seconds.
- Next, add in the wine, salt, and pepper, and cook for about 3-4 minutes.
- Then, turn the heat down to low.
- When the pasta is finished cooking, drain the water from the pot and add the pasta to the pan with the sauce.
- Add in the lemon juice, zest, and parmesan, and toss to coat everything well.
- Serve, and enjoy!
Rate & review
SELECT A RATING and tell me what you think!
What others are saying
Simple and delicious recipe made with pantry staples. The only addition I made was topping the pasta with fresh basil for a pop of color. Also recommend making with Pappardelle pasta ( at times)
for a more hearty dish. The men in your life won’t even know this wonderful, flavorful dish has no meat!
Basil is the perfect addition to this recipe! And you can never go wrong with pappardelle – I love that pasta too! Thank you so much for making this recipe, and for leaving such a kind review, Susan!
Made this with Pappardelle pasta, dairy free parmesan and butter. Added some wild Argentine red shrimp and sprinkled with chives… PERFECTION!
YUM! That sounds delicious, Brooke! Thank you so much for making this recipe, and for sharing your review!!
This stuff was DELISH! So easy and quick and the perfect lemony pasta!!!! Followed recipe as is, and it was creamier than I expected!!! Yummmmmm
Woohoo! Leigh, I’m so thrilled that you loved this recipe! Thank you so much for making it, and for leaving such a kind review!