Description
This creamy lemon pasta is a delightful and easy-to-make dish combining tender pasta with a luscious lemon-infused cream sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it features garlic, fresh lemon zest and juice, and Parmesan cheese for a bright yet comforting flavor profile.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 ounces pasta
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Boil Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil to prepare for cooking the pasta.
- Cook Pasta: Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve Pasta Water: Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water for adjusting sauce consistency later.
- Drain Pasta: Drain the pasta thoroughly and set it aside.
- Heat Oil and Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté gently for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, avoiding browning.
- Add Cream and Broth: Pour in 1 cup heavy cream and 1/2 cup chicken broth, stirring to combine the ingredients.
- Simmer Sauce: Let the mixture simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally to thicken and blend flavors.
- Add Lemon: Stir in 1 tablespoon lemon zest and 2 tablespoons lemon juice to infuse brightness to the sauce.
- Season Sauce: Add 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, adjusting according to your taste preferences.
- Melt Cheese into Sauce: Incorporate 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and the sauce thickens nicely.
- Adjust Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until reaching your desired creaminess.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss well to coat evenly with the creamy lemon sauce.
- Add Parsley: Stir in 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley and give the pasta a final toss to combine all ingredients harmoniously.
- Serve: Plate the creamy lemon pasta immediately and garnish with extra parsley or Parmesan cheese as desired for an elegant finish.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water contains starch that helps the sauce cling better to the pasta.
- Be careful not to burn the garlic as it can turn bitter and affect the sauce flavor.
- Adjust lemon juice quantities to taste depending on your preference for tartness.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best melting and flavor results.
- This pasta is best served immediately for a creamy texture but can be gently reheated with a splash of cream or broth.
