Angel Hair Pasta With Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce

Name: Angel Hair Pasta With Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 8 ounces angel hair pasta; 1/2 cup unsalted butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 lemon, zested and juiced; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish); Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Highlighted under: Healthy Inspirations Studio

I absolutely love creating dishes that are both simple and indulgent, and this Angel Hair Pasta with Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce is a prime example. The delicate strands of pasta, combined with the rich, silky sauce, make for a quick yet luxurious meal that everyone will adore. It takes minimal time to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute entertaining. Trust me, once you get a taste of the bright flavors and buttery goodness, you’ll be hooked!

Created by

Abigail Foster

Last updated on 2026-02-27T23:01:35.362Z

When I first tried making lemon garlic butter sauce, I was skeptical – how could this simple combination of ingredients elevate a dish so much? However, after a few attempts, I realized the balance of acidity from the lemon and the richness from the butter truly works wonders. I particularly enjoy using fresh garlic to infuse an aromatic depth into the sauce, making it irresistible.

One specific tip I discovered is to reserve a cup of pasta cooking water before draining the noodles. Adding some of this starchy water helps the sauce cling beautifully to the pasta, creating a luscious coating that elevates each bite. It’s a little trick that makes a big difference!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Bright citrus flavor that refreshes the palate.
Rich buttery sauce that clings to each strand of pasta.
Quick and effortless, perfect for any weeknight dinner.

Cooking the Perfect Angel Hair Pasta

Angel hair pasta is known for its delicate texture and quick cooking time. To ensure it maintains its integrity, boil it in well-salted water for no more than 4 minutes, or until it is just al dente. This prevents it from becoming mushy, which can easily happen with such thin strands. Remember to give the pasta a gentle stir while it cooks to help separate the strands and avoid sticking.

One of my key tips is to reserve some of the pasta cooking water. This starchy liquid is a secret weapon in creating the perfect sauce consistency. When you add the pasta to the sauce, the extra moisture from the cooking water can help balance the richness of the butter sauce, ensuring that every bite is flavorful without being overly oily.

The Role of Ingredients

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in developing the dish's unique flavor profile. The unsalted butter is the foundation of the sauce, providing a creamy texture and richness that coats the pasta beautifully. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the seasoning, ensuring the dish is perfectly balanced with salt and lemon.

Garlic adds a fragrant depth that is essential to the sauce. Sauté it just until golden and fragrant to avoid a bitter taste. To enhance the dish further, using fresh lemon juice and zest brightens the flavor profile, giving it a refreshing quality that contrasts nicely with the buttery sauce. If you're feeling adventurous, a touch of red pepper flakes can add a hint of heat without overpowering the other flavors.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to make your Angel Hair Pasta:

Ingredients

8 ounces angel hair pasta
1/2 cup unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 lemon, zested and juiced
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Once you have these ingredients ready, you're all set to get cooking!

Instructions

Follow these steps to prepare your Angel Hair Pasta:

Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the angel hair pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually about 4 minutes, until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining.

Prepare the Sauce

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet with the garlic butter. Pour in the lemon juice and zest, then toss well. If the sauce seems too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

Season and Serve

Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm, with grated Parmesan cheese on the side if desired.

Enjoy your delicious meal!

Pro Tips

Always taste your sauce after mixing in the lemon juice
the acidity can vary based on the lemon. Adjust seasoning as needed for the best flavor.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This angel hair pasta dish is best served fresh due to its delicate pasta and buttery sauce. However, if you're looking to prepare in advance, you can cook the pasta and make the lemon garlic butter sauce separately. Store the cooked pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, and keep the sauce in another container. When reheating, gently warm the sauce over low heat to prevent separation, and toss with the pasta, adding a splash of reserved pasta water as needed.

If you're considering freezing, it's better to freeze the sauce alone, as pasta tends to lose its texture when thawed. Allow the sauce to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to a month. When ready to use, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and gently reheat.

Serving and Pairing Ideas

This dish stands out on its own, but pairing it with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables can elevate your meal. A side of garlic bread would also complement the flavors beautifully, perfect for those who love to soak up the rest of that delicious sauce. For a heartier meal, consider adding sautéed shrimp or grilled chicken to the pasta, making it even more satisfying.

Additionally, if you're serving guests, consider a cheese board with light cheeses and fruits for a refreshing appetizer. A crisp white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, can be a lovely pairing, as its acidity will harmonize with the bright lemon flavors in the pasta.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, while angel hair is ideal for this dish, you can substitute it with any long pasta like spaghetti or linguine.

→ How can I make the sauce richer?

For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of heavy cream or using more butter.

→ Can I add protein to this dish?

Absolutely! Grilled chicken or shrimp would be perfect additions to make this a heartier meal.

→ How do I store leftover pasta?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of water if needed.