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Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1 1/2 cups of the pasta cooking water.

While the pasta cooks, melt the butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-low heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to brown the garlic.

Remove the skillet from the heat. Add the lemon zest and lemon juice to the butter mixture. Stir well.

Drain the cooked spaghetti and immediately add it to the skillet with the butter-lemon mixture. Add 1 cup of the reserved pasta water and the grated Parmesan cheese. Toss vigorously with tongs until the cheese melts and a creamy sauce forms, adding more pasta water, 1/4 cup at a time, if the sauce is too thick.

Stir in the chopped fresh parsley, 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Serve immediately, garnished with additional grated Parmesan cheese and black pepper, if desired.


Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1 1/2 cups of the pasta cooking water.

While the pasta cooks, melt the butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-low heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to brown the garlic.

Remove the skillet from the heat. Add the lemon zest and lemon juice to the butter mixture. Stir well.

Drain the cooked spaghetti and immediately add it to the skillet with the butter-lemon mixture. Add 1 cup of the reserved pasta water and the grated Parmesan cheese. Toss vigorously with tongs until the cheese melts and a creamy sauce forms, adding more pasta water, 1/4 cup at a time, if the sauce is too thick.

Stir in the chopped fresh parsley, 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Serve immediately, garnished with additional grated Parmesan cheese and black pepper, if desired.
