Creamy Lemon Pasta: A Bright and Zesty Comfort Dish
If you’re craving a pasta dish that’s both comforting and refreshing, this Creamy Lemon Pasta is the perfect choice. The combination of rich, creamy sauce with a burst of fresh lemon flavor makes this dish a standout for any meal. It’s quick and easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up this delicious pasta in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
- 8 ounces uncooked pasta (rigatoni or penne recommended)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 tablespoon flour
- 1 small clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or vegetable broth
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice + zest of 1/2 lemon
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
- 1/3 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- Salt & pepper to taste
Garnish (Optional):
- Fresh parsley
- Extra parmesan
Directions
1. Boil the Pasta:
- Begin by bringing a salted pot of water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions until it reaches an al dente texture. This should take about 8-10 minutes, depending on the type of pasta.
2. Make the Sauce:
- While the pasta is cooking, start the sauce. Melt the butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once melted, sprinkle in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently. This step will help thicken the sauce.
3. Add Flavors:
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Then, pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Let the mixture bubble for 1 minute, allowing the flavors to meld together.
4. Create the Creamy Sauce:
- Gradually whisk in the heavy cream. Continue to cook the sauce for a few minutes until it thickens to your desired consistency. The sauce should be smooth and velvety.
5. Finish with Cheese:
- Stir in the freshly grated parmesan cheese until it melts into the sauce. Remove the skillet from the heat and season the sauce generously with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Combine and Serve:
- Drain the pasta, reserving a small amount of pasta water in case you need to thin the sauce. Add the pasta to the skillet and toss it with the sauce until well coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a tablespoon or so of the reserved pasta water to reach the desired consistency.
- Garnish with additional parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy the creamy, zesty goodness!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Calories: ~450 kcal per serving
Servings: 2 servings
This Creamy Lemon Pasta is a delightful blend of rich and tangy flavors. The creaminess of the sauce, paired with the brightness of lemon and the savory taste of parmesan, creates a dish that’s both indulgent and refreshing. It’s perfect for those nights when you want something comforting yet not too heavy.
Serve this pasta with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal, or enjoy it on its own as a quick and satisfying dinner. Try it out, and let me know how you liked it in the comments below. Happy cooking!
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Creamy Lemon Pasta
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 1x
Description
This Creamy Lemon Pasta brings together the richness of a classic cream sauce with the bright, refreshing zing of lemon. The combination of garlic, parmesan, and lemon zest creates a balanced dish that is both comforting and invigorating, making it a perfect option for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
8 ounces uncooked pasta (rigatoni or penne recommended)
2 tablespoons butter
1/2 tablespoon flour
1 small clove garlic, minced
1/4 cup chicken broth or vegetable broth
2 teaspoons lemon juice + zest of 1/2 lemon
1 cup heavy/whipping cream
1/3 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
Salt & pepper to taste
Garnish: fresh parsley & extra parmesan (optional)
Instructions
Boil Pasta: Bring a salted pot of water to a boil and cook the pasta al dente according to package directions.
Make the Sauce: When the pasta is about 10 minutes away from being done, melt the butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once melted, sprinkle in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently.
Add Flavors: Add the minced garlic, followed by the broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Let it bubble for 1 minute.
Creamy Goodness: Whisk in the cream and cook for a few minutes until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
Cheesy Finish: Stir in the parmesan cheese and remove the skillet from the heat. Season generously with salt & pepper.
Combine: Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss until well coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a tablespoon or so of pasta water before draining it.
Serve: Garnish with additional parmesan and chopped parsley if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy the creamy, zesty flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 450