Prepare to transform your weeknight dinner with the most irresistible pasta dish that will make your taste buds dance! This Lemon Garlic Cream Pasta is not just another recipe - it's a creamy, zesty culinary adventure that takes just 30 minutes from start to finish. Imagine twirling your fork into a plate of perfectly cooked pasta, coated in a luxurious sauce that balances the bright tang of lemon with the rich, velvety smoothness of cream and Parmesan. Whether you're a busy home cook or a passionate foodie, this recipe promises to become your new go-to comfort meal that looks and tastes like it came straight from an Italian restaurant!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 8 oz of pasta, 1 cup of heavy cream, 2 cloves of garlic (minced), 1 lemon (juiced and zested), 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and fresh parsley for garnish.
- Fill a large pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt, and bring it to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the 8 oz of pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the sauce. In a medium saucepan, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
- Once the garlic is fragrant, pour in the 1 cup of heavy cream and stir well. Allow the cream to simmer gently for about 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it slightly thickens.
- Add the lemon juice and zest to the cream mixture, stirring to combine. This will add a refreshing brightness to the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Once the pasta is cooked, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta in a colander.
- Add the drained pasta directly into the saucepan with the lemon garlic cream sauce. Toss to combine, ensuring the pasta is well coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and incorporated into the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if necessary.
- Remove the pasta from heat and let it sit for a minute. Serve the pasta in bowls, garnished with freshly chopped parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
- Enjoy your delicious Lemon Garlic Cream Pasta with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal!
Tips
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic, real Parmesan cheese, and a freshly squeezed lemon will dramatically improve the flavor profile of your dish.
- Don't overcook the pasta: Aim for al dente texture by following package instructions and testing the pasta a minute before the recommended cooking time.
- Reserve pasta water: The starchy water helps create a silky sauce and can help adjust the consistency if needed.
- Sauté garlic carefully: Cook garlic just until fragrant to prevent burning, which can make the sauce bitter.
- Control sauce thickness: If the sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water. If too thin, let it simmer a bit longer.
- Garnish generously: Fresh parsley adds color and a burst of fresh flavor that complements the creamy sauce.
- Serve immediately: This pasta is best enjoyed hot, right after preparation when the sauce is at its creamiest.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 17g
Cholesterol: 90mg
