Description
A quick and delicious creamy lemon pasta that transforms weeknight dinners into gourmet experiences.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz spaghetti or your favorite pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 lemon (zested and juiced)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
- Optional: Red pepper flakes for a hint of heat
Instructions
- Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once it’s boiling, add your spaghetti or preferred pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
- While the pasta cooks, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Pour the heavy cream into the skillet and stir to combine with garlic. Continue stirring occasionally as it heats through.
- Add the lemon zest and juice, followed by the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese melts and thickens the sauce, about 2-3 minutes. If too thick, add a splash of pasta water.
- Once your pasta is cooked, reserve a cup of pasta water and drain the pasta. Add drained pasta directly into the skillet with the creamy sauce. Toss well until every strand is coated.
- Finally, season the pasta with salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
Best served fresh, but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of milk or cream. Consider using whole grain or gluten-free pasta if desired.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 70mg