Description
This creamy lemon pasta sauce is a quick and elegant dish that combines the richness of butter and heavy cream with the bright freshness of lemon zest and juice. Finished with Parmesan cheese and a touch of garlic, it creates a luscious sauce that perfectly coats your favorite pasta. Ready in just 20 minutes, this recipe is perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner or a simple yet impressive meal for guests.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Zest and juice of 1 large lemon
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup pasta water (reserved from cooking the pasta)
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley or basil (optional)
For the Pasta:
- Pasta of choice (quantity per package directions, enough for 4 servings)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook your pasta according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1/4 cup of pasta cooking water to use later in the sauce.
- Make the Creamy Lemon Sauce: In a large skillet, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat until the butter melts. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, taking care not to let it burn.
- Simmer the Cream: Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
- Add Lemon and Parmesan: Stir in the lemon zest and lemon juice, followed by the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
- Season: Taste the sauce and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as desired. If the sauce appears too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to reach your preferred consistency.
- Combine with Pasta: Add the cooked pasta directly to the sauce and toss well to coat each strand evenly. If necessary, add a bit more reserved pasta water to help the sauce cling to the pasta.
- Serve: Plate the pasta immediately and garnish with fresh parsley or basil for a burst of color and flavor, if desired. Serve while hot for the best experience.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water as it contains starch which helps the sauce cling to the pasta better.
- Use fresh lemon zest and juice for the best bright and fresh flavor.
- You can swap heavy cream for half-and-half for a lighter version, though the sauce will be less rich.
- Parmesan cheese quality greatly affects flavor; freshly grated is best.
- This sauce pairs well with long pasta like spaghetti, fettuccine, or linguine.
- Do not overcook the garlic during sautéing, as burnt garlic will impart bitterness.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
