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Lemon Pasta


  • Author: Mira
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Bright, silky, and full of fresh citrus flavor, this Lemon Pasta is an easy dinner that feels special without being complicated. It is a quick pasta recipe made with tender noodles, garlic, butter, Parmesan, cream, and lemon for a creamy yet light finish. Perfect for busy weeknights, simple dinner ideas, easy recipe planning, and cozy food ideas when you want something fresh, comforting, and full of flavor.


Ingredients

12 oz spaghetti

2 tbsp olive oil

3 tbsp unsalted butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 tbsp lemon zest

3 tbsp fresh lemon juice

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

1/2 cup reserved pasta water


Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.

2. Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat until the butter melts.

3. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

4. Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and heavy cream, then let the mixture warm gently for 1 to 2 minutes.

5. Add the Parmesan cheese gradually, stirring until melted and smooth.

6. Pour in a little reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce and make it glossy.

7. Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss until well coated.

8. Season with salt and black pepper, then stir in the chopped parsley.

9. Serve warm with extra Parmesan and a little more lemon zest if desired.

Notes

Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest sauce and best flavor.

Reserve pasta water before draining because it helps the sauce cling to the noodles beautifully.

Add the lemon juice at the right balance so the pasta tastes bright and fresh without becoming too sharp.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 560
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 540mg
  • Fat: 27g
  • Saturated Fat: 14g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 60g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 18g
  • Cholesterol: 65mg

Keywords: lemon pasta, creamy lemon pasta, easy dinner, quick pasta recipe, weeknight pasta, pasta dinner ideas, easy recipe, food ideas