Go Back
+ servings
Creamy Lemon Pasta

Creamy Lemon Pasta: A Zesty, Velvety Delight to Savor

Creamy Lemon Pasta combines rich creaminess with zesty lemon flavors for a delightful dish.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 550

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 oz Pasta (fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne)
For the Sauce
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil For sautéing garlic
  • 2-3 cloves Garlic Freshly minced
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream Can substitute with half-and-half or plant-based cream
  • 1 cup Pasta Water Reserved from cooking pasta
  • 1 cup Parmesan Cheese Or use nutritional yeast for dairy-free option
  • 2 Lemons For zest and juice
  • Salt To taste
  • Pepper To taste
Optional Garnishes
  • Parsley Fresh, for garnish
  • Red Pepper Flakes For added heat, optional

Equipment

  • large pot
  • skillet

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Creamy Lemon Pasta
  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente, about 8–10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. Sauté the Garlic: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and golden.
  3. Make the Sauce: Pour in heavy cream, reduce heat to low, and stir. Simmer for 3-4 minutes, then add reserved pasta water and stir for 2 minutes until creamy.
  4. Add Lemon Flavor: Remove from heat and stir in lemon zest and juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add drained pasta to skillet, tossing gently in sauce for 2-3 minutes.
  6. Finish with Parmesan: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Adjust sauce thickness with pasta water if needed.
  7. Serve and Garnish: Transfer to plates, garnish with fresh parsley, extra Parmesan, and red pepper flakes if desired. Serve immediately.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 15gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg

Notes

For best flavor, serve immediately. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!