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Lemon Tomato Butter Spaghetti

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This lemon tomato butter spaghetti is a weeknight staple that is packed with flavor and comes together in under 30 minutes!

pan filled with lemon tomato butter spaghetti

How to make lemon tomato butter spaghetti

pan cooking melted butter and herbs
Melt butter and cook herbs and garlic.
cherry tomatoes cooking in pan
Add tomatoes and cook until soft.
Tongs lifting spaghetti noodles from pan
Toss in cooked noodles, basil, and sausage (if using).

How to add protein

I often add sliced chicken sausage that is just sauteed in a pan for my husband and sometimes sliced Italian style vegan sausage. It is a quick and easy protein addition if you want to make this meal a little bit heartier. Instructions are included in the recipe below.

This recipe also goes great with any Italian style meatballs.

How to make a lighter version

I often make this recipe with whole wheat or protein spaghetti noodles. I have also tried it with zucchini noodles, and it is great! You can also swap out some or all of the butter for a little olive oil, but I do love the butter.

angled photo of lemon tomato butter spaghetti in pan

Common questions about lemon tomato butter spaghetti

  1. Can I use other noodles with this recipe? Yes! I have made this with penne, orzo, elbows and even gluten-free or protein noodles. Anything works!
  2. How to serve this to kids? This is one of my kids’ all-time favorite meals. They don’t love tomatoes so I usually just skip those, but they both love the sausage and buttered noodles. You can easily add a jarred sauce to it as well if your kids love pasta sauce.
  3. What should I serve as a side? I love serving spaghetti with a salad or some sort. Either a fresh, spinach salad or a caesar.
  4. Can I make this in one pot? You can definitely use one large, deep pot for this if you don’t want to do extra dishes. I would cook the noodle first and then remove them and set aside while using the same pot for the rest.
Lemon Tomato Butter Spaghetti
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Lemon Tomato Butter Spaghetti

Recipe by Laura DuensingCourse: Dinner
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

15

minutes
Cooking time

15

minutes

This lemon tomato butter spaghetti is a weeknight staple that is packed with flavor and comes together in under 30 minutes!

Ingredients

  • 1 pkg spaghetti

  • 1/4 cup butter

  • 2 cloves garlic (crushed)

  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)

  • 1/3 cup lemon juice (about 2 lemons)

  • Pinch of red pepper flakes

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper

  • 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning

  • 1/2 cup chopped, fresh basil

  • Fresh grated parmesan for topping

  • 4 chicken sausages, sliced (optional)*

Directions

  • Cook the spaghetti according to the package directions.
  • If using chicken sausage, heat pan over medium heat and cook sliced sausage for 2-3 minutes per side until browned. Remove from the pan and set aside.
  • Meanwhile, melt butter in a medium-sized pan over medium heat.
  • Add garlic and cook for 2 minutes, until fragrant and browned.
  • Add cherry tomatoes, lemon juice, red pepper flakes, salt and pepper, stirring to coat in the butter and garlic.
  • Bring mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes until tomatoes are soft.
  • Add the basil and return the chicken sausage to the pan. Stir to combine.
  • Drain the pasta and return to the pot. Toss with the lemon butter sauce to combine.
  • Serve with additional red pepper flakes and grated parmesan.

Notes

  • My kids love the Italian style chicken sausage that you can find near kielbasa in most grocery stores.

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