Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Lemon Pasta is the ultimate combination of fresh, zesty flavors and creamy indulgence. It’s quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy nights when you want something flavorful without the hassle. The lemon adds a bright and refreshing element, while the creaminess of the sauce makes the dish comforting and satisfying. It’s also versatile – you can adjust the amount of lemon, add fresh herbs, or even toss in vegetables to make it your own. Plus, it’s an ideal dish for pasta lovers!

Ingredients

12 oz pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or any pasta of your choice)
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
Zest of 1 lemon
Juice of 1 lemon
½ cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
Extra Parmesan for topping (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Cook the pasta: Cook the pasta according to the package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water. Once cooked al dente, reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Sauté the garlic: In the same pot or a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Make the sauce: Add the lemon zest and lemon juice to the skillet with the garlic, stirring to combine. Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
Toss the pasta: Add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing it to coat in the creamy lemon sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, gradually add a bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up to your desired consistency.
Add Parmesan and season: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and continue to toss until the cheese melts into the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

Variations

Add protein: For a heartier meal, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or roasted salmon on top of the pasta.
Add vegetables: Toss in sautéed spinach, peas, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes for added color and nutrition.
Make it dairy-free: Replace the heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free cream alternative, and use dairy-free Parmesan.
Spicy twist: For a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic.
Herb variation: You can also try adding other fresh herbs like thyme or basil for extra flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover Lemon Pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or extra cream to keep the sauce from drying out. Alternatively, you can microwave it for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, any type of pasta will work well with this lemon sauce. Try spaghetti, fettuccine, penne, or even gluten-free pasta for a variation.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Lemon Pasta is best served fresh, but you can cook the pasta and prepare the sauce ahead of time. Just store the pasta and sauce separately and combine when ready to serve.

Can I add more lemon for extra flavor?

Absolutely! You can increase the lemon zest and juice to suit your personal taste. If you love lemon, feel free to add an extra lemon’s worth of juice or zest.

How can I make the sauce thicker?

If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer for a little longer before tossing the pasta in. You can also add more Parmesan cheese, which will help thicken the sauce.

Can I make this dish without cream?

Yes, you can make a lighter version of this recipe by omitting the cream and using pasta water or vegetable broth instead. The sauce will be lighter but still flavorful from the lemon and garlic.

Can I freeze Lemon Pasta?

While pasta dishes with creamy sauces don’t always freeze well, you can freeze the sauce (without the pasta) for up to a month. When ready to use, reheat and toss with freshly cooked pasta.

Can I make this dish vegan?

To make this dish vegan, substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based alternative, and use a dairy-free Parmesan or nutritional yeast.

What can I serve with Lemon Pasta?

Lemon Pasta pairs well with a fresh salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. You can also serve it as a side dish with grilled meats or seafood.

How do I know when the pasta is done?

Pasta is typically done when it’s al dente, meaning it should still have a slight bite to it. Follow the package instructions and taste a piece to ensure it’s not too soft.

How do I avoid the sauce from becoming too runny?

To avoid a runny sauce, make sure to reserve a bit of pasta water to help thicken the sauce if needed. The starchy water will help bind the sauce to the pasta and create a silky finish.

Conclusion

Lemon Pasta is a bright, creamy, and comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick weeknight meal or looking to impress guests with a simple yet flavorful dish, this recipe delivers. The tangy lemon balances perfectly with the richness of the creamy sauce, making every bite refreshing and satisfying. Customizable with your favorite protein or vegetables, Lemon Pasta is a versatile dish that will become a favorite in your recipe collection.

Lemon Pasta

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Lemon Pasta is a light, refreshing, and flavorful dish that combines tangy lemon with a rich, creamy sauce. It’s perfect as a quick weeknight meal or a side dish to complement your favorite main course.

Author: Laura
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

Cook pasta according to the package instructions in salted boiling water. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta. Drain and set aside.

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
Add lemon zest and juice to the skillet with garlic, stirring to combine. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Let the sauce cook for 2-3 minutes, thickening slightly.
Add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat in the creamy lemon sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

Feel free to add more lemon zest or juice for extra lemon flavor.
For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic.
For a dairy-free version, substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream and use dairy-free Parmesan or nutritional yeast.
To make the sauce thicker, simmer it a bit longer or add extra Parmesan cheese.
Try adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or roasted vegetables for a more substantial meal.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 400
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 500mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 12g
Cholesterol: 30mg