Pasta with Citrus Cream Sauce
Brighten up your dinner table with this creamy, zesty Pasta with Citrus Cream Sauce—a delightful fusion of rich and refreshing flavors. This recipe combines silky fettuccine or linguine with a luscious sauce made from heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and the vibrant tang of freshly squeezed lemon and orange juice, enhanced by their fragrant zests. Sautéed garlic infuses the dish with a savory depth, while a sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and herbal freshness. Ready in just 30 minutes, this easy pasta dish is perfect for weeknight meals or as an elegant centerpiece for entertaining. Serve it with a crisp green salad or crusty bread for a restaurant-quality meal at home. An irresistible option for creamy pasta lovers and fans of citrus dishes alike!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz Pasta (fettuccine or linguine recommended)
- 2 tbsp Unsalted butter
- 3 count Garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup Heavy cream
- 1 tbsp Lemon zest
- 1 tbsp Orange zest
- 2 tbsp Lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 2 tbsp Orange juice, freshly squeezed
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 0.5 tsp Salt
- 0.25 tsp Black pepper, freshly ground
- 2 tbsp Fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining and set the pasta aside.
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream, stirring frequently to combine with the butter and garlic.
Add the lemon zest, orange zest, lemon juice, and orange juice to the skillet. Stir well to incorporate the citrus flavors into the cream sauce.
Slowly mix in the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly, until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.
Season the sauce with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Taste and adjust as needed.
Add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing gently to coat the noodles evenly with the citrus cream sauce. If the sauce is too thick, use the reserved pasta water to thin it out, a tablespoon at a time.
Serve immediately. Garnish with fresh parsley, additional zest, or grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
480 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 32.6 g | 42% | |
| Saturated Fat | 19.8 g | 99% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 96 mg | 32% | |
| Sodium | 607 mg | 26% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 29.8 g | 11% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.2 g | 8% | |
| Total Sugars | 1.6 g | ||
| Protein | 13.3 g | 27% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 239 mg | 18% | |
| Iron | 0.6 mg | 3% | |
| Potassium | 112 mg | 2% | |
*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.
