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Creamy Lemon Pasta Recipe – Easy Elegant Dinner in 30 Mins

Creamy Lemon Pasta - featured image

This Creamy Lemon Pasta recipe combines the tangy brightness of lemon with the rich creaminess of pasta, creating a dish that’s indulgent yet fresh and ready in just 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • Spaghetti, fettuccine, or linguine (8 ounces)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 fresh lemons (juice and zest)
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. In a medium skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat until melted. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Stir in the heavy cream, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Let the mixture simmer gently for 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
  4. Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
  5. Add salt and pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning as needed.
  6. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until every strand is coated in the sauce. Add more pasta water if needed to achieve the desired consistency.
  7. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan before serving. Serve immediately while warm.

Notes

Taste the sauce before adding salt, as Parmesan is naturally salty. Save pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Use fresh lemons for the best flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: Creamy Lemon Pasta, Easy Dinner, Quick Pasta Recipe, Lemon Sauce, Vegetarian Pasta