Experience the vibrant zest of lemon and the delicious flavors of garlic in this lemon garlic pasta sauce.
No butter or cream required—just simple, wholesome ingredients creating a burst of flavor. Perfect for pasta, seafood, or grilled veggies.
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Lemon garlic pasta sauce is a delicious combination that breathes new life into any pasta dish.
Bursting with zesty citrus notes and robust garlic flavors, this sauce turns the simplest of ingredients into a gourmet experience.
What's remarkable is that it achieves this without the addition of butter or cream, making it a healthier alternative.
This versatile sauce complements a variety of pasta shapes, from linguine to penne, and even works wonders with zoodles (zucchini noodles) for a lighter, low-carb option.
It pairs beautifully with seafood such as shrimp or scallops, as well as with grilled chicken or roasted vegetables, adding a burst of freshness to every bite.
One of the most appealing aspects of this lemon garlic pasta sauce is its convenience. It can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for several days, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify over time.
Alternatively, it lends itself well to batch preparation, enabling busy individuals to whip up a large batch and portion it out for quick and easy meals throughout the week.
Whether served as a light lunch, a vibrant dinner entrée, or as a side dish at a summer barbecue, lemon garlic pasta sauce is sure to impress with its vibrant flavors and effortless charm.
Its ability to transform humble ingredients into a culinary masterpiece makes it a beloved staple in any kitchen, offering a taste of sunshine with every savory spoonful.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Experience the lively tang of lemon and the rich aroma of garlic in every bite.
- Use this easy to make sauce on pasta, seafood, or grilled veggies with this sauce's adaptable nature.
- Prepare in advance and savor the intensified flavors over time.
- Delight in the ease of preparation.
- This lemon garlic pasta sauce can be made vegan, and is gluten free.
Cost To Make
Estimated cost = $2.10
Ingredients
Please note that below is a guide for some of the ingredients we used in the recipe. The printable recipe further down the page has the complete list of ingredients, including quantities and step-by-step instructions.
- Neutral Flavored Oil: Such as vegetable oil.
- Garlic: Minced.
- Stock of Choice: Such as chicken stock, vegetable stock, or water.
- Lemon: You will need both the lemon juice and zest.
- Salt and Pepper
Instructions
This recipe for lemon garlic pasta sauce makes about 2 serves (4 tablespoons, makes about 60 ml/grams, 2.11 ounces of sauce).
Step One: Heat oil over low to medium heat in a small saucepan. Once hot, add the minced garlic and saute for about 1 minute. You do not want your garlic to brown and burn.
Step Two: Add the stock of choice and mix through.
Step Three: Turn off heat, and mix through the lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and pepper to taste.
Tips for Success
- Take your time when sautéing the garlic in olive oil, ensuring it turns golden brown without burning.
- Taste as you go and adjust the amount of lemon juice, salt, and pepper to suit your personal preferences for a perfectly balanced sauce.
Substitutions / Variations
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of chili powder to give the sauce a subtle heat.
- For a richer texture without butter or cream, blend in a handful of soaked cashews or silken tofu until smooth.
- Stir in toasted pine nuts or chopped almonds for a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Here are some ways you might like to serve this lemon garlic pasta sauce.
- Toss the lemon garlic pasta sauce with your favorite cooked pasta for a simple yet flavorful meal.
- Drizzle over roasted or steamed vegetables such as asparagus, broccoli, or cauliflower for a vibrant side dish.
- Use as a dressing for a fresh green salad, adding brightness and tanginess to your leafy greens.
- Serve alongside crusty bread or breadsticks as a delectable dipping sauce for an appetizer or snack.
Storage
This lemon garlic pasta sauce can be stored in an air tight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Made this recipe? Let us know how it went in the comments below! We'd love to hear how it turned out.
Recipe
Lemon Garlic Pasta Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon neutral flavored oil such as vegetable oil.
- 1 ½ teaspoons (2-3 cloves) garlic minced
- ¼ cup (62 ml/grams, 2.21 ounces) stock of choice such as chicken stock, vegetable stock, or water
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice or to taste
- ½ teaspoon lemon zest
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat oil over low to medium heat in a small saucepan. Once hot, add the minced garlic and saute for about 1 minute. You do not want your garlic to brown and burn.
- Add the stock of choice and mix through.
- Turn off heat, and mix through the lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and pepper to taste.
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