Creamy 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
Scale
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
Find it online: https://recipeswithria.com/creamy-lemon-garlic-pasta-recipe/
