Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with the most decadent and creamy pasta dish that'll transport you straight to the heart of Italy! This Lemon Garlic Cream Fettuccini is not just another pasta recipe - it's a culinary masterpiece that combines the bright, zesty punch of lemon with the rich, velvety embrace of cream sauce. In just 25 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-worthy meal that will have your family and friends begging for seconds (and asking for the recipe)!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 ounces fettuccini pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add the fettuccini pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until the pasta is al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the sauce. In a large skillet, heat a small amount of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to brown the garlic.
- Pour the heavy cream into the skillet with the garlic and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly.
- Add fresh lemon juice to the cream sauce and stir to combine. Reduce heat to low.
- When the pasta is cooked, reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta in a colander.
- Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet with the cream sauce. Toss to coat evenly, adding reserved pasta water if needed to thin the sauce.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and continue tossing until the cheese is melted and incorporated.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Transfer the pasta to serving plates and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
- Serve immediately while hot, offering additional Parmesan cheese at the table if desired.
Tips
- Always salt your pasta water generously - it's your first chance to add flavor to the dish.
- Use fresh garlic if possible, as it provides a more vibrant and intense flavor compared to pre-minced garlic.
- Be careful not to overcook the garlic, as it can become bitter and lose its delicate flavor.
- Reserve some pasta water before draining - the starchy water helps create a silky, smooth sauce and helps the sauce cling to the pasta.
- Toss the pasta in the sauce immediately after cooking to ensure each strand is perfectly coated.
- For an extra luxurious touch, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese instead of pre-packaged grated cheese.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the pasta at its creamy, hot best - this dish doesn't hold well if left sitting.
- For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half for some of the heavy cream.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 480kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 17g
Cholesterol: 90mg
