Lemon Pasta

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Lemon Pasta is a simple yet vibrant dish that combines tender pasta with a creamy, zesty lemon sauce. Light, fresh, and ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or as a refreshing side dish that pairs beautifully with chicken or seafood.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

spaghetti or your favorite pastaunsalted butterolive oilgarlicfresh lemons (juice and zest)heavy cream or half-and-halfgrated Parmesan cheesefresh parsleysea saltsblack pepper

directions

Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.

In a large skillet, melt butter with olive oil over medium heat.

Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Stir in fresh lemon juice and zest.

Reduce heat to low and add heavy cream, whisking until smooth.

Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat.

Stir in grated Parmesan cheese, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.

Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and extra lemon zest before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields about 4 servings.Preparation time: 5 minutesCooking time: 15-20 minutesTotal time: 20-25 minutes

Variations

Add cooked shrimp or chicken for extra protein.

Sprinkle red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.

Use fresh basil instead of parsley.

Swap heavy cream for Greek yogurt for a lighter option.

storage/reheating

Store Lemon Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or pasta water to loosen the sauce.

FAQs

Can I make this dairy-free?

Use olive oil instead of butter, skip the cream, and use a dairy-free Parmesan substitute.

What pasta works best?

Spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine work well.

Can I make it ahead?

It’s best served fresh, but leftovers reheat well.

Can I add vegetables?

Yes! Try asparagus, spinach, or peas.

Why is my sauce too thick?

Add a splash of reserved pasta water to thin it.

Can I use bottled lemon juice?

Fresh lemon juice and zest give the best flavor.

Is it very lemony?

It’s bright and zesty but balanced by cream and cheese.

Can kids help make this?

Yes! They can zest lemons and stir.

How do I make it lighter?

Use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream.

What’s the best garnish?

Extra zest, fresh parsley, and a sprinkle of Parmesan.

Conclusion

Lemon Pasta is a quick, delicious way to add a burst of citrusy freshness to your dinner table. With its creamy sauce and zesty flavor, it’s a dish that feels fancy yet comes together in minutes. Try it once, and it might become your new go-to for a light, flavorful meal!

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