Spaghetti with Lemon & Butter

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Lemon and butter go so well together, this easy spaghetti dish may forever change how you think about quick pantry pasta meals. Slideshow:  More Pasta Recipes 

By Scott Hocker
Updated on August 2, 2023
Tested by
Food & Wine Test Kitchen
Tested by Food & Wine Test Kitchen
Recipes published by Food & Wine are rigorously tested by the culinary professionals at the Dotdash Meredith Food Studios in order to empower home cooks to enjoy being in the kitchen and preparing meals they will love. Our expert culinary team tests and retests each recipe using equipment and ingredients found in home kitchens to ensure that every recipe is delicious and works for cooks at home every single time.
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Spaghetti with lemon and butter
Photo: © Scott Hocker
Active Time:
5 mins
Total Time:
20 mins
Yield:
4
Cook Mode (Keep screen awake)

Ingredients

  • 1 pound spaghetti

  • Salt

  • 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter

  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

  • 1 lemon, zested

  • 1/4 cup (from about 2 lemons) fresh lemon juice

Directions

  1. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions in a pot of well-salted boiling water.

  2. Meanwhile, in a large skillet set over medium heat, heat the butter until foaming, then add the red pepper flakes. Cook for about 30 seconds, then add the lemon zest. Cook for 30 seconds. When pasta is ready, add lemon juice to the sauce. Add the drained spaghetti and mix well. Serve.

Originally appeared: December 2014

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