Lemon Garlic Spaghetti with Toasted Almonds
This Mediterranean-inspired pasta dish features spaghetti coated in a light lemon garlic olive oil sauce, tossed with toasted almonds for crunch and nutty depth. It’s vibrant, wholesome, and comes together in under 30 minutes.
Time
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 15 minutes
Total: 25 minutes
Serves: 3–4
Ingredients
12 oz (340 g) spaghetti or linguine
3 tbsp olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced or minced
Zest of 1 lemon
Juice of 1 lemon (about 2–3 tbsp)
1/4 cup slivered or sliced almonds
1/4 tsp red chili flakes
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino
Instructions
Cook Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook spaghetti until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
Toast the Almonds:
In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast almonds for 3–4 minutes, stirring often until golden and fragrant. Remove and set aside.
Make the Lemon Garlic Oil:
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Add garlic and sauté until just golden (about 1 minute — do not burn).
Add lemon zest and chili flakes (if using). Stir for 10 seconds.
Toss Pasta:
Add drained pasta to the skillet with the lemon garlic oil.
Add lemon juice and toss well to coat. Add a splash of reserved pasta water to help emulsify the sauce.
Finish:
Season with salt and pepper.
Toss in most of the toasted almonds and parsley (if using), reserving some for garnish.
Serve:
Plate and top with remaining almonds, parsley, and grated cheese if desired.
Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.
Tips
For extra richness, add a pat of butter when tossing the pasta.
Add baby spinach or arugula for a veggie boost.
Swap almonds for pine nuts or chopped walnuts if preferred.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes — just use gluten-free pasta.
What protein can I add?
Grilled shrimp, chicken, or chickpeas work beautifully here.
Can I store leftovers?
Yes, refrigerate in an airtight container up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of water or lemon juice.
Nutritional Information
Calories: ~430
Protein: 10g
Carbs: 55g
Fat: 18g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 2g