Creamy Lemon Garlic Pasta Recipe
Introduction
This Creamy Lemon Garlic Pasta is a quick and comforting dish perfect for a weeknight dinner. It combines bright lemon flavor with rich cream and savory garlic to create a luscious sauce that coats every strand of pasta.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- Optional: grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water.
- Step 2: In a large skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Pour in the heavy cream, stir well, and bring to a gentle simmer. Add lemon zest and juice, then season with salt and pepper.
- Step 4: Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet with the sauce. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce if needed. Stir until pasta is evenly coated.
- Step 5: Remove from heat. Serve immediately, topped with grated Parmesan and fresh parsley if desired.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic.
- Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
- Add cooked shrimp or grilled chicken to make it a complete meal.
- Fresh basil or thyme can be used instead of parsley for a different herbal note.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or pasta water to restore creaminess.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use lemon juice instead of fresh lemon?
Fresh lemon juice is preferred for its bright, fresh flavor, but bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch. Adjust the amount to taste, as it tends to be more concentrated.
What pasta works best for this recipe?
Long pasta like spaghetti, fettuccine, or linguine works well because the creamy sauce clings nicely. However, you can use any pasta shape you have on hand.
PrintCreamy Lemon Garlic Pasta Recipe
This Creamy Lemon Garlic Pasta is a simple yet indulgent dish combining al dente pasta with a luscious garlic-infused cream sauce brightened by fresh lemon juice. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an elegant meal, its rich and zesty flavors come together effortlessly to create a satisfying comfort food that feels gourmet.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces pasta (such as fettuccine or linguine)
Sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
- Prepare the garlic lemon sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes, being careful not to brown the garlic.
- Add cream and lemon: Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Add the lemon zest and lemon juice, and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Toss pasta with sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat well in the creamy lemon garlic sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
- Season and finish: Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese if using, allowing it to melt into the sauce.
- Serve: Plate the pasta, garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, and serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best bright citrus flavor.
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust sauce thickness if needed.
- Grated Parmesan adds an extra layer of richness but is optional.
- This recipe can be customized with grilled chicken or sautéed vegetables for added protein and texture.
- To make it lighter, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, though sauce will be less rich.
Keywords: Lemon garlic pasta, creamy pasta, easy pasta recipe, quick dinner, Italian pasta dish, lemon cream sauce
