This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
Many years ago, during my bachelorette days when I was cooking only for myself, this easy Lemon Pasta was one of my go-to recipes! Although I loved to cook back then – more specifically, I loved to cook for other people. So during the week, my usual single-gal routine was to come home from work, go for a run, and then make a quick and easy dinner for myself!
This lemon pasta is about as simple a recipe as you can get – pasta, melted butter and freshly grated parmesan cheese – but the addition of the juice and zest of a lemon completely transforms this dish into something special! The fresh lemon flavor really brightens up the cheesy pasta – and you can eat this as meal on its own (almost like a simple yet sophisticated macaroni & cheese), as a side dish to grilled chicken – or mix in some sautéed vegetables for a healthier version!
Even years later, I still find myself making this simple, delicious dish again and again! And, my husband Jack loves this dish too!
This lemon pasta is the last recipe in our weekly series of simple – but really delicious – recipes using five ingredients or less! We hope you’ve been convinced that even with just a few simple, flavorful ingredients – you can create a truly wonderful dish!
We love seeing what you made! Tag us on Instagram at @afamilyfeast or hashtag #afamilyfeast so we can see your creations!
Lemon Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 6 tablespoons butter
- Juice from one lemon
- Zest from one lemon
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese, plus more for adding to finished dish
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions.
- In a small pan, melt butter and add juice and zest from lemon.
- When pasta is cooked, drain and add back to pan along with butter mixture. Pour cheese over and toss.
- Serve with additional cheese sprinkled over each portion.
Last Step! Please leave a review and rating letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business thrive & continue providing free recipes.
See the rest of our series of terrific recipes made with five ingredients or less:
Gloria McGonagill says
Loved it was very refreshing
taste!
Liked that it was very simple to make! 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻
Martha says
Thank you Gloria!
Beatriz says
I eat this at Da Paolino Lemontrees (Sicily) last year.
Amazing pasta!!!!
Martha says
Thanks Beatriz! Good memories… 🙂
Bella says
I just made this, and it is very good!
Martha says
Thanks Bella!
Becki's Whole Life says
I think my daughter would eat this every day of her life. Lemon, butter and cheese over pasta – I don’t think you need much more than that!
Martha says
A girl after my own heart – I could eat this everyday too! 🙂
Sherri @The Well Floured Kitchen says
I’m Italian, so grew up eating pasta with butter and pecorino. And now my kids do too! But this is a lovely little twist, and yet so simple to change things up. Great recipe, Thanks!
Martha says
Thanks Sherri! Please let us know how you like the recipe!