Description
This Creamy Lemon Pasta Sauce is the perfect balance of tangy and creamy. With fresh lemon, cream, and a touch of Parmesan, it creates a light yet rich sauce that complements any pasta. Quick, easy, and full of flavor, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions!
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
- Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Cook your pasta according to package directions. Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Make the Creamy Lemon Sauce:
- In a large skillet, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Let it simmer for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
- Add Lemon and Parmesan:
- Stir in the lemon zest and juice, and then add the Parmesan cheese, stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to thin it to your desired consistency.
- Combine with Pasta:
- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. If needed, add a little more pasta water to help the sauce coat the pasta.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley or basil if desired.
Notes
- Pasta Choices: This sauce pairs well with any pasta, but long pasta like spaghetti, fettuccine, or linguine works particularly well.
- For Extra Flavor: You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat or a touch of garlic powder for additional depth.
- Make It Vegan: Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative, and use vegan Parmesan for a dairy-free option.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of the sauce (serves 4)
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 65mg