Prepare to transform your ordinary dinner into a gourmet experience with this mouthwatering Bow Tie Garlic Lemon Side Dish! Imagine twirling your fork into perfectly cooked pasta, glistening with a bright, zesty sauce that will make your taste buds dance with joy. This Italian-inspired recipe is so simple yet so incredibly delicious that it will become your new go-to side dish for any meal. Whether you're a kitchen novice or a seasoned home chef, this recipe promises to elevate your culinary skills and impress everyone at the dinner table.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 ounces bow tie pasta
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add bow tie pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until pasta is al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While pasta is cooking, prepare the garlic lemon sauce. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-low heat.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté gently for 1-2 minutes, being careful not to brown the garlic, which can make it bitter.
- Zest the entire lemon directly into the skillet with the garlic, stirring to combine and release aromatic oils.
- When pasta is cooked, reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta in a colander.
- Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet with garlic and lemon zest. Toss to coat evenly.
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the pasta, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to create a light sauce.
- Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the pasta and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Toss everything together one final time, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated with sauce and seasonings.
- Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with additional parsley if desired. Serve immediately while hot.
Tips
- Salt is your secret weapon - make sure to generously salt the pasta water to enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
- Watch your garlic carefully! Sauté it on medium-low heat to prevent burning, which can make the sauce bitter.
- Reserve some pasta cooking water before draining. The starchy water helps create a silky, smooth sauce that clings perfectly to the bow tie pasta.
- Use fresh lemon zest and juice for the brightest, most vibrant flavor. Avoid bottled lemon juice if possible.
- For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or some freshly grated Parmesan cheese just before serving.
- Serve immediately while the pasta is hot to enjoy the most robust flavors and best texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 430kcal
Carbohydrates: 64g
Protein: 11g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
