Description
A quick and easy creamy lemon pasta recipe that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner. This zesty and velvety comfort dish is simple enough for beginners.
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 1 cup pasta water, reserved
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Zest and juice of 2 lemons
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional garnishes: chopped fresh parsley, crushed red pepper flakes, extra Parmesan cheese, lemon slices
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- In the same pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté garlic until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
- Pour in heavy cream and simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Stir in 1/2 cup reserved pasta water and simmer for 2 minutes.
- Add lemon zest and juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the drained pasta to the sauce and toss until well-coated, about 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese. If too thick, add more pasta water, a tablespoon at a time.
- Serve immediately, garnished with parsley, red pepper flakes, extra Parmesan, or lemon slices if desired.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water before draining the pasta.
- Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Adjust sauce consistency with more pasta water if needed.
- This dish is best served hot.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American