Indulgent Creamy Lemon Pasta: Your New Weeknight Favorite
Experience the delight of Creamy Lemon Pasta, a quick and comforting dish perfect for busy weeknights.
Equipment
- large pot
- Skillet
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- strainer
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 12 ounces Linguine or Spaghetti Consider whole grain or chickpea pasta for added fiber.
For the Sauce
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Use avocado oil for a unique taste profile.
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced Substitute with garlic powder if fresh isn't available.
- 1 cup Heavy Cream Opt for coconut cream or whole milk for a lighter version (taste will vary).
- 1 each Lemon, zested and juiced Fresh lemons are ideal.
- 1 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese For a dairy-free alternative, use nutritional yeast.
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black Pepper
For Garnishing
- to taste Fresh Parsley Consider basil or arugula for a different flavor twist.
Instructions
Directions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the linguine or spaghetti and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain.
- In a skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until it becomes fragrant but doesn’t brown.
- Pour in heavy cream and gently bring it to a simmer, stirring continuously for about 3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Incorporate the lemon juice and zest. Stir well, then add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta in the creamy sauce.
- If the sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water until you reach your desired creaminess—smooth and velvety!
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt and black pepper to taste, ensuring the flavors meld together beautifully.
- Plate your pasta hot and finish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley for a fresh, herbal touch.
Notes
Optional: Add a squeeze of extra lemon juice for an extra zing! Aim for al dente; undercooking slightly ensures your pasta maintains texture and won't become mushy in the sauce. Save some pasta water to adjust your sauce's consistency.