Loading...

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the rigatoni pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta water.

While the pasta is cooking, melt the unsalted butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.

Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) to the melted butter. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.

Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the lemon zest and fresh lemon juice. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Drain the cooked rigatoni and add it directly to the skillet with the lemon butter sauce. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley.

Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated. If the sauce seems too thick or dry, add the reserved pasta water, 1/4 cup at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.

Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve immediately, garnished with extra grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, if desired.


Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the rigatoni pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta water.

While the pasta is cooking, melt the unsalted butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.

Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) to the melted butter. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.

Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the lemon zest and fresh lemon juice. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Drain the cooked rigatoni and add it directly to the skillet with the lemon butter sauce. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley.

Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated. If the sauce seems too thick or dry, add the reserved pasta water, 1/4 cup at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.

Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve immediately, garnished with extra grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, if desired.
