Description
This creamy lemon pasta is a quick, comforting weeknight dinner featuring a tangy lemon cream sauce that hugs every noodle. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to customize for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine (whole wheat or gluten-free optional)
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 2/3 cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated
- Zest from 1 large lemon
- 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
- 1/2 tsp salt, plus more to taste
- 1/2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water (about 4 quarts with 1 tbsp salt) to a boil.
- Add pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
- While pasta cooks, melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add garlic (if using) and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Pour in heavy cream and stir to combine. Let cream bubble gently.
- Stir in lemon zest and lemon juice. Add salt and black pepper; adjust to taste.
- Add drained pasta to the skillet. Toss together, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until sauce coats noodles (about 1/4 cup).
- Sprinkle in Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and creamy.
- Taste for seasoning; add more salt, pepper, or lemon as needed.
- Transfer to bowls and garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan.
Notes
Use fresh lemons for best flavor; zest before juicing. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Add Parmesan off the heat to prevent clumping. Customize with gluten-free or whole wheat pasta, add protein like chicken or shrimp, or swap cream for coconut cream for dairy-free. Leftovers keep well for 3 days; reheat gently with a splash of milk or water.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 2 cups pasta per serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 550
- Fat: 23
- Saturated Fat: 14
- Carbohydrates: 53
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 12
Keywords: creamy lemon pasta, easy pasta recipe, weeknight dinner, lemon cream sauce, Italian pasta, quick pasta, comfort food, vegetarian pasta