Description
This bright and creamy Lemon Pasta brings together zesty lemon, rich cream, and parmesan for a quick and delicious meal. Perfect for springtime gatherings or a comforting weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
12 oz spaghetti or linguine
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
Zest of 2 lemons
3 tablespoons lemon juice
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon butter (optional)
Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water and drain the rest.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant (30–60 seconds).
3. Add heavy cream, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Simmer 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
4. Toss in the cooked pasta. Add pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
5. Stir in parmesan and butter. Season with salt and pepper. Toss until cheese melts and sauce is creamy.
6. Serve hot, garnished with parsley or basil.
Notes
Use freshly grated parmesan for best melting.
Don’t overheat the cream or it may curdle.
Add more lemon zest if you love extra tang.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx.)
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 53g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: lemon pasta, creamy lemon sauce, quick pasta