CREAMY GARLIC LEMON PASTA QUICK

Imagine twirling strands of perfectly cooked pasta, each coated in a velvety sauce that sings with bright lemon, pungent garlic, and rich cream. This Creamy Garlic Lemon Pasta is pure comfort food elevated, a symphony of flavors that’s surprisingly simple to create. Ready to whip up a restaurant-worthy meal in your own kitchen? I promise, you’ve got this!

The Dream Team: Ingredients You’ll Need

Pasta Power

• 1 pound pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine work great!)
• Water for boiling, generously salted

The Creamy, Garlicky Goodness

• 4 tablespoons butter
• 6 cloves garlic, minced (don’t be shy!)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• 1/4 cup lemon juice, freshly squeezed is best!
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional, but Awesome Add-Ins

• Cooked chicken or shrimp for protein
• Red pepper flakes for a touch of heat
• Sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor
• Spinach or kale for added nutrients

Let’s Get Cooking: Step-by-Step Instructions

Phase 1: Pasta Perfection

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Seriously, don’t skimp on the salt – it seasons the pasta from the inside out!
2. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. We want a little bite!
3. Reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water before draining. This starchy water is liquid gold; it helps create the perfect creamy sauce.
4. Drain the pasta and set aside.

Phase 2: Sauce Sensation

1. While the pasta is cooking, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it! Burnt garlic is a flavor bummer.
3. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
4. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.

Phase 3: Marry the Flavors

1. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce.
2. Toss to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency. This is where that liquid gold really shines!
3. Stir in the chopped parsley and any optional add-ins you’re using.
4. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, if desired.

Troubleshooting Tips: Your Pasta Problems Solved!

Sauce Too Thick?

No worries! Simply add a tablespoon or two of the reserved pasta water at a time until the sauce thins out to your liking.

Sauce Too Thin?

Continue simmering the sauce over low heat for a few more minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens. You can also add a little more Parmesan cheese to help it along.

Garlic Burned?

Unfortunately, there’s no real fix for burned garlic. If it happens, start over with fresh garlic to avoid a bitter flavor in your dish. Trust me, it’s worth it!

Pasta Stuck Together?

Make sure to use enough salted water when boiling the pasta, and stir it frequently during cooking. A little olive oil in the water can also help prevent sticking.

Variations to Make It Your Own

Protein Power

Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even some crispy bacon for a heartier meal.

Veggie Variety

Toss in some sautéed spinach, asparagus, or cherry tomatoes for a boost of nutrients and flavor.

Spice It Up

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a touch of heat. You can also use chili-infused olive oil for an extra kick.

Cheese Please!

Experiment with different cheeses, such as Pecorino Romano or Asiago, for a unique flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions: Complete the Meal

This Creamy Garlic Lemon Pasta is delicious on its own, but it also pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Consider serving it with:

• A simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette
• Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread
• Roasted vegetables, such as broccoli or Brussels sprouts

Beyond Creamy Garlic Lemon Pasta: More Delicious Recipes to Explore

If you’re a fan of garlic and creamy sauces, you’ll definitely want to check out these other amazing recipes:

• Garlic Chicken Gnocchi: A comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender gnocchi, juicy chicken, and a rich garlic sauce.
• Parmesan Chicken With Garlic Cream Sauce: Crispy Parmesan-crusted chicken served with a decadent garlic cream sauce.
• Garlic Parmesan Pasta Yeem: A simple yet satisfying pasta dish with a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce.
• Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta: Another winning combination of chicken, pasta, and a flavorful garlic Parmesan sauce.
• Garlic Butter Chicken Mac: A fun and flavorful twist on classic mac and cheese with the addition of garlic butter and chicken.
• Lemon Garlic Chicken Bites & Pasta: A quick and easy weeknight dinner featuring tender chicken bites and a bright lemon garlic sauce.

Storage and Reheating: Making the Most of Your Leftovers

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Creamy Garlic Lemon Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating Instructions

To reheat, gently warm the pasta in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream if needed to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.

Final Thoughts: Enjoy Your Creamy Creation!

There you have it – a simple, delicious, and crowd-pleasing Creamy Garlic Lemon Pasta recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and make it your own. Happy cooking!

Lady Maria

Creamy Garlic Lemon Pasta Quick

This Creamy Garlic Lemon Pasta is a quick and easy recipe that delivers a restaurant-worthy meal in your own kitchen. Perfectly cooked pasta is coated in a velvety sauce bursting with bright lemon, pungent garlic, and rich cream for a comforting and flavorful dish.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 600

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound pasta spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine
• Water for boiling
• Salt for pasta water
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• 1/4 cup lemon juice, freshly squeezed
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

Equipment

• Large Pot
• Colander
• large skillet
• measuring cups and spoons
• Lemon zester
• Lemon juicer
• Garlic press or knife
• Tongs or pasta fork

Method

 

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
2. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente.
3. Reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water before draining.
4. Drain the pasta and set aside.
5. While the pasta is cooking, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
6. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1-2 minutes, until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
7. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
8. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
10. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce.
11. Toss to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
12. Stir in the chopped parsley and any optional add-ins you’re using.
13. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, if desired.

Notes

For a richer flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese. To thin the sauce, add reserved pasta water. To thicken the sauce, simmer longer or add more Parmesan. Optional add-ins include cooked chicken or shrimp, red pepper flakes, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, or kale. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat gently, adding a splash of milk or cream if needed.