Description
A simple pasta dish featuring the nutty flavor of brown butter combined with fresh lemon.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Cook spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining.
- While the pasta cooks, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Continue cooking, swirling the pan occasionally, until the butter foams, then brown bits form at the bottom and it smells nutty. This takes about 5-7 minutes. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Remove the skillet from the heat immediately. Stir in the lemon juice and lemon zest.
- Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet. Toss to coat.
- Add the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until a light sauce forms that coats the pasta.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- Use good quality butter for the best flavor in this simple sauce.
- You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the butter for a little heat.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 15 min
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 350
- Fat: 25
- Saturated Fat: 15
- Unsaturated Fat: 10
- Trans Fat: 0.5
- Carbohydrates: 70
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 18
- Cholesterol: 75
Keywords: spaghetti, lemon, brown butter, pasta, quick dinner, vegetarian