Lemon Butter Pasta

Lemon Butter Pasta is a simple, elegant Italian-inspired dish where cooked pasta is tossed in a sauce of melted butter, fresh lemon juice, and often a touch of pasta water, creating a bright, creamy coating. Its core ingredients are pasta (like spaghetti or linguine), unsalted butter, fresh lemons, and often Parmesan cheese and black pepper. It's a classic example of Italian 'cucina povera' or poor cooking, transforming a few basic pantry staples into a flavorful meal.

🍳 View the full Lemon Butter Pasta recipe →

🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

This dish is primarily high in carbohydrates from the pasta and fat from the butter and cheese, with a moderate amount of protein if Parmesan is included. It provides quick energy and some calcium, but is relatively low in fiber and micronutrients. A typical serving (about 1.5 cups) can range from 400 to 600 calories, depending heavily on the amount of butter and cheese used.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	450 kcal
Protein	10 g
Carbs	45 g
Fat	25 g
Fiber	2 g
Sugar	3 g
Sodium	600 mg
Vitamin A	150 mcg
Vitamin C	10 mg
Calcium	40 mg
Iron	2 mg
Potassium	150 mg
Vitamin B1 (Thiamin)	0.3 mg
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)	0.2 mg
Niacin (B3)	2 mg

Per 1 cup (200 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

Culturally, it showcases the Italian philosophy of letting a few high-quality ingredients shine without complex techniques. Nutritionally, the lemon juice not only adds flavor but also helps cut through the richness of the butter, and its vitamin C can aid in the absorption of iron from the pasta.