Lemon Butter Pasta & Veggies

This light and flavorful lemon butter pasta with veggies is the perfect quick and easy meal. Made with a simple yet delicious lemon butter sauce, fresh vegetables, and your favorite pasta, this dish is both satisfying and refreshing. It’s great for meal prep, busy weeknights, or a wholesome family dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy – Ready in just 20 minutes!
• Fresh and flavorful – The lemon butter sauce adds a zesty, rich taste.
• Versatile – Use any veggies you have on hand.
• Great for meal prep – Stores and reheats beautifully.
• Light yet satisfying – Perfect for a balanced meal.

Ingredients

this Recipe

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Pasta of choice (spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne)
• Butter (or olive oil for a lighter version)
• Garlic, minced
• Fresh lemon juice
• Lemon zest
• Vegetables (zucchini, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, spinach, or asparagus)
• Parmesan cheese (optional, or use a dairy-free alternative)
• Red pepper flakes (for a little heat)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

1. Cook the pasta – Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
2. Sauté the garlic – In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
3. Add the vegetables – Toss in the chopped veggies and sauté for 3-5 minutes until tender but still crisp.
4. Make the lemon butter sauce – Stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
5. Combine everything – Add the cooked pasta to the skillet along with a bit of the reserved pasta water. Toss everything together until coated in the sauce.
6. Finish and serve – Sprinkle with parmesan cheese (if using) and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve warm!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 10 minutes
• Total time: 20 minutes

Variations

• Make it protein-packed – Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for extra protein.
• Go dairy-free – Use olive oil instead of butter and nutritional yeast instead of parmesan.
• Use different veggies – Mushrooms, broccoli, peas, or artichokes make great additions.
• Try whole wheat or gluten-free pasta – Swap regular pasta for a healthier alternative.
• Make it creamy – Add a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk for a richer sauce.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Not recommended, as the sauce may separate, and veggies may become mushy.
• Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of water or broth to refresh the sauce. You can also microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.

FAQs

Can I use any type of pasta for this recipe?

Yes! Spaghetti, penne, fettuccine, or even whole wheat and gluten-free pasta work well.

How do I keep my pasta from drying out when reheating?

Add a splash of water, broth, or olive oil when reheating to keep it moist.

Can I add a protein to this dish?

Definitely! Chicken, shrimp, tofu, or chickpeas make great protein additions.

Can I make this dish vegan?

Yes! Use olive oil instead of butter and a dairy-free parmesan alternative.

What veggies work best in this recipe?

Zucchini, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, spinach, and asparagus are great choices.

How can I make this dish spicier?

Increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.

Can I prepare this in advance for meal prep?

Yes! Store portions in airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days.

What’s the best way to add more flavor?

Use vegetable broth instead of water for cooking pasta, and add fresh basil or extra lemon zest.

Can I use frozen vegetables?

Yes, but thaw and drain them first to prevent excess water in the sauce.

How do I prevent the pasta from clumping together?

Toss it with a little olive oil after draining if you’re not using it immediately.

Conclusion

Lemon butter pasta with veggies is a fresh, flavorful, and easy dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making a quick dinner or prepping meals for the week, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Try it today and enjoy a light, zesty pasta dish that’s both comforting and nutritious!

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