Butter Lemon Garlic Pasta

Ingredients

• 8 ounces spaghetti
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter (unsalted)
• 5 cloves garlic (roughly chopped)
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1 1/2 lemon (juiced and zested)
• 1/4 cup parmesan (or more)
• 1/4 cup cream (or more)
• 1/4 cup pasta water
• basil (optional garnish)

Instructions

1. 1

   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once the water has boiled, add the pasta and stir occasionally as it cooks. Mine takes 8 to 10 minutes. Set aside when done and reserve up to half a cup of pasta water.

2. 2

   Meanwhile, while the pasta is cooking, heat a skillet over medium heat with a tablespoon of oil and butter.

3. 3

   Add the roughly chopped garlic and saute for a minute, then add the red pepper flakes and black pepper and give it a quick mix.

4. 4

   Add the lemon zest, parmesan, heavy cream, and ¼ cup of pasta water. Stir and bring the sauce to a simmer. Add additional pasta water, if desired.

5. 5

   Take the skillet off the heat and stir in the lemon juice. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss well to combine. Finish off with additional lemon juice, parmesan, red pepper flakes, and/or pepper, if desired. Garnish with basil, if desired.