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Creamy Garlic Lemon Pasta is beautifully displayed as the featured image, showcasing its creamy sauce and bright lemon zest.
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.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
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.