Indulge in the vibrant flavors of **Creamy Lemon Pasta**, a quick and luxurious dish that combines zesty citrus with velvety smoothness. This recipe pairs al dente spaghetti with a luscious sauce made from fresh lemon juice, heavy cream, and melted Parmesan cheese, creating a perfect balance of tangy and savory. Aromatic garlic sautΓ©ed in olive oil sets the stage for the creamy sauce, while fresh basil adds a burst of herbal freshness. Ready in just 30 minutes, this elegant pasta is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Garnish with extra Parmesan for a cheesy finish, and enjoy a truly irresistible meal thatβs as easy to make as it is to love. Keywords: creamy lemon pasta recipe, quick pasta recipes, lemon cream sauce, easy dinner ideas, vegetarian pasta dishes.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions, until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
While the pasta is cooking, zest the lemons and juice them, keeping the zest and juice separate.
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once heated, add the finely minced garlic cloves and sautΓ© for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, making sure not to brown the garlic.
Pour in the heavy cream, followed by the lemon juice, and stir to combine. Allow the mixture to come to a gentle simmer.
Stir in grated Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper, whisking until the cheese melts, creating a smooth and creamy sauce.
Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss well to coat in the creamy lemon sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water gradually, until the desired consistency is achieved.
Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
Roughly chop the fresh basil and sprinkle over the pasta just before serving.
Serve immediately with additional grated Parmesan on top if desired.
Calories |
1918 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 127.0 g | 163% | |
| Saturated Fat | 63.0 g | 315% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 289 mg | 96% | |
| Sodium | 3076 mg | 134% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 126.5 g | 46% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 10.4 g | 37% | |
| Total Sugars | 6.2 g | ||
| Protein | 54.8 g | 110% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 997 mg | 77% | |
| Iron | 7.5 mg | 42% | |
| Potassium | 408 mg | 9% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.