Lemon Butter Pasta Sauce
Elevate your pasta nights with this luscious Lemon Butter Pasta Sauce, a zesty and creamy delight that’s ready in just 15 minutes! This decadent sauce combines the silky richness of melted unsalted butter and heavy cream with the bright, citrusy pop of freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest. Infused with the fragrant warmth of sautéed garlic and finished with a touch of grated Parmesan cheese, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between indulgence and freshness. Perfect for pairing with any pasta, it clings beautifully to every strand, enhanced by a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for a vibrant garnish. Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight dinner or an elegant meal to impress guests, this versatile lemon butter sauce is sure to become a favorite.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 0.5 cups heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 0.25 cups grated Parmesan cheese
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 0.25 teaspoons ground black pepper
- 0.25 cups pasta water
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
In a medium skillet, melt the butter over medium heat until it begins to foam.
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring continuously to create a smooth sauce base.
Reduce the heat to low, then add the freshly squeezed lemon juice and lemon zest. Stir well.
Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper, and continue to stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
If the sauce is too thick, add the reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the desired consistency.
Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
Toss your cooked pasta in the lemon butter sauce, ensuring every strand is coated.
Serve immediately, garnished with freshly chopped parsley if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1121 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 118.2 g | 152% | |
| Saturated Fat | 70.0 g | 350% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 326 mg | 109% | |
| Sodium | 1579 mg | 69% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 7.1 g | 3% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.2 g | 4% | |
| Total Sugars | 0.9 g | ||
| Protein | 9.7 g | 19% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 280 mg | 22% | |
| Iron | 1.1 mg | 6% | |
| Potassium | 171 mg | 4% | |
*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.
