Creamy Lemon Pasta: A Zesty, Velvety Comfort Dish
Creamy lemon pasta is a bright and comforting dish that balances the richness of cream with the zesty freshness of lemon. Perfect for weeknight dinners or a special gathering, it is quick to prepare, customizable, and loved by everyone.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti or linguine
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1 large lemon (about 3 tbsp)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente, stirring occasionally. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Heat butter and oil: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter with olive oil.
- Sauté garlic: Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Avoid burning.
- Add cream and lemon: Pour in heavy cream while stirring. Add lemon zest and juice, then simmer on medium-low for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Incorporate cheese: Stir in Parmesan until melted and smooth. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Toss drained pasta into the skillet. Mix well. Add reserved pasta water gradually if needed to reach desired consistency.
- Serve: Plate the pasta, garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan, and serve immediately.
Notes
For a lighter version, replace half of the cream with milk or a plant-based alternative.
Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or vegetables for a complete meal.
Red pepper flakes can be added while sautéing garlic for a subtle spice.