Print

Quick Creamy Lemon Garlic Parmesan Pasta

A fork lifts a generous portion of bright, creamy lemon pasta coated in a rich sauce from a skillet.
Print Recipe
Save Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Make this bright, zesty, and velvety lemon pasta sauce in under 25 minutes. This easy recipe uses simple ingredients for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz spaghetti or linguine
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining the pasta. Set the drained pasta aside.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Do not let the garlic brown.
  3. Pour in the heavy cream and broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. Let it cook for 3 to 4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
  4. Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and Parmesan cheese until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth.
  5. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat everything evenly.
  6. If the sauce seems too thick, add the reserved pasta water, one splash at a time, until you reach your desired velvety consistency.
  7. Season with salt and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  8. Serve immediately, topped with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, if using.

Notes

  • For a richer sauce, substitute half of the heavy cream with cream cheese, adding it in small cubes once the broth is simmering.
  • If you want to add protein, cook shrimp or sliced chicken breast separately and toss them into the finished pasta.
  • Use fresh lemon juice; bottled juice changes the bright flavor profile.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://kingscook.com/creamy-lemon-pasta-recipe-quick-easy/