Lemon Pasta Recipe
Lemon Pasta Recipe
Table of Contents
Lemon Pasta Recipe
This Lemon Pasta Recipe is a light, zesty, and refreshing dish that brings a burst of citrus flavor to your dinner table. It’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re craving a simple weeknight dinner or a dish to impress your guests. The creamy lemon sauce combined with al dente pasta creates the ultimate comfort food with a tangy twist.
Description
Looking for a quick, simple, and flavorful dish? This Lemon Pasta Recipe is just what you need. With only a few ingredients, you can make a vibrant, fresh pasta dish that is sure to satisfy your taste buds. The star of the dish is the tangy, refreshing lemon sauce that perfectly complements the pasta. The creamy, citrusy sauce is balanced with garlic and a touch of Parmesan cheese, making this dish a delightful experience with every bite.
Whether you are cooking for a family dinner, hosting friends, or just need a quick meal after a busy day, this Lemon Pasta Recipe is the perfect choice. It combines the zing of lemon with the richness of Parmesan, giving the dish a well rounded flavor profile that is both light and satisfying.
The pasta of your choice will absorb the zesty lemon sauce, and the olive oil adds a subtle richness to the dish. For an extra kick, you can toss in some red pepper flakes or add fresh herbs like basil or parsley. With its simplicity and bright flavors, this Lemon Pasta Recipe will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation.
What makes this Lemon Pasta Recip stand out is how versatile it is. You can enjoy it as a stand alone meal, pair it with grilled chicken or seafood, or even serve it as a side dish to a larger meal. Whether you prefer a classic spaghetti or linguine, this recipe works with any type of pasta, making it adaptable to your taste.
If you’re looking to elevate the dish even further, you can experiment with adding roasted vegetables like asparagus or zucchini. A handful of toasted pine nuts adds a delightful crunch, and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan gives it that cheesy, savory finish. This Lemon Pasta Recipe is not just a meal; it’s an experience.
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or your choice)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Zest and juice of 2 large lemons
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half and half for a lighter option)
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)
- Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)
- Extra Parmesan for topping
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water. Set aside. - Prepare the Lemon Sauce:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant but not browned. - Add Lemon Zest and Juice:
To the skillet, add the zest and juice of the lemons. Stir to combine with the garlic and oil, allowing the flavors to meld together for 1-2 minutes. - Make it Creamy:
Reduce the heat to low and add the heavy cream (or half and half) to the skillet. Stir continuously, bringing the sauce to a gentle simmer. Allow it to cook for 3-5 minutes, or until it begins to thicken slightly. - Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the lemon cream sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly, adding a little reserved pasta water if the sauce needs to be thinned out. - Finish the Dish:
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes (if using), and season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss until the sauce is creamy and the pasta is well coated. - Serve:
Plate the pasta and garnish with fresh basil or parsley and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Pasta Options: While spaghetti and linguine are popular choices, feel free to use any type of pasta you prefer. Penne, fettuccine, or even whole wheat pasta work well.
- Cream Alternatives: For a lighter version, you can use half and half or even milk. If you prefer a dairy free option, try coconut cream or a plant based cream substitute.
- Add ins: For extra flavor and texture, consider adding roasted vegetables like zucchini, asparagus, or cherry tomatoes. You can also toss in some grilled shrimp or chicken for a protein packed meal.
- Spicy Kick: If you like a bit of heat, red pepper flakes can add a spicy kick to the dish, but they are entirely optional.
- Make Ahead: This recipe is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat with a splash of cream or pasta water to restore the sauce’s creamy texture.
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Lemon Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta spaghetti, linguine, or your choice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- Zest and juice of 2 large lemons
- 1 cup heavy cream or half and half for a lighter option
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for a spicy kick
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
- Extra Parmesan for topping
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water. Set aside.
- Prepare the Lemon Sauce:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant but not browned.
- Add Lemon Zest and Juice:
- To the skillet, add the zest and juice of the lemons. Stir to combine with the garlic and oil, allowing the flavors to meld together for 1-2 minutes.
- Make it Creamy:
- Reduce the heat to low and add the heavy cream (or half and half) to the skillet. Stir continuously, bringing the sauce to a gentle simmer. Allow it to cook for 3-5 minutes, or until it begins to thicken slightly.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the lemon cream sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly, adding a little reserved pasta water if the sauce needs to be thinned out.
- Finish the Dish:
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes (if using), and season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss until the sauce is creamy and the pasta is well coated.
- Serve:
- Plate the pasta and garnish with fresh basil or parsley and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Pasta Options: While spaghetti and linguine are popular choices, feel free to use any type of pasta you prefer. Penne, fettuccine, or even whole wheat pasta work well.
- Cream Alternatives: For a lighter version, you can use half and half or even milk. If you prefer a dairy free option, try coconut cream or a plant based cream substitute.
- Add ins: For extra flavor and texture, consider adding roasted vegetables like zucchini, asparagus, or cherry tomatoes. You can also toss in some grilled shrimp or chicken for a protein packed meal.
- Spicy Kick: If you like a bit of heat, red pepper flakes can add a spicy kick to the dish, but they are entirely optional.
- Make Ahead: This recipe is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat with a splash of cream or pasta water to restore the sauce’s creamy texture.
