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Creamy Lemon Pasta

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Creamy Lemon Pasta is a quick, comforting dish with a zesty lemon-garlic cream sauce and Parmesan cheese. It’s rich yet light, perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy meals that come together fast.

  • Author: Julia
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

  • 12 ounces pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or linguine)
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain.
  2. In a large skillet, melt butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
  3. Pour in the cream and let it warm for 2–3 minutes. Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
  4. Add pasta and a splash of reserved pasta water. Toss to coat.
  5. Stir in Parmesan cheese, adding more pasta water as needed for a silky sauce.
  6. Garnish with parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Add spinach, peas, or grilled chicken for extra nutrition.
  • Use half-and-half for a lighter version.
  • Adjust lemon juice to taste for more or less brightness.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://juliameals.com/creamy-lemon-pasta/