Ingredients:
- 12 oz (340g) Linguine or Spaghetti
- 4 qt (3.8L) Water
- 2 tbsp (34g) Kosher salt
- 4 tbsp (57g) Unsalted butter, divided
- 2 tbsp (30ml) Extra virgin olive oil
- 4 cloves (12g) Garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp (6g) Fresh lemon zest
- ½ tsp (1g) Red pepper flakes
- ¼ cup (60ml) Freshly squeezed lemon juice
- ½ cup (50g) Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup (15g) Fresh Italian parsley, finely chopped
- ¼ cup (15g) Fresh basil, chiffonade
- Salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook for 1–2 minutes less than the package instructions. Reserve 1 cup (240ml) of the starchy pasta water before draining the noodles.
- In a skillet, heat the olive oil and 2 tbsp (28g) of butter over medium heat. Once the butter foams, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for 60–90 seconds until fragrant and translucent.
- Stir in the lemon zest and cook for another 30 seconds to release the citrus oils.
- Reduce heat to low. Pour in the lemon juice and ½ cup (120ml) of the reserved pasta water, stirring to combine.
- Add the undercooked pasta to the skillet. Toss vigorously with tongs for 2 minutes over medium-low heat until the liquid reduces and coats the noodles.
- Remove the pan from the heat entirely. Stir in the remaining 2 tbsp (28g) of cold butter, grated Parmesan, parsley, and basil. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.