Description
Creamy Lemon Pasta is a delightful and easy-to-make dish combining al dente pasta with a luscious lemon-infused cream sauce, enriched with parmesan cheese, butter, and a hint of garlic. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that feels indulgent yet fresh and bright thanks to the zesty lemon.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 ounces uncooked pasta (rigatoni or penne recommended)
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 tablespoon flour
- 1 small clove garlic (minced)
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or vegetable broth or dry white wine
- 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 cheese
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve about a tablespoon of pasta water before draining.
- Make Roux: About 10 minutes before the pasta is done, heat butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once melted, sprinkle in the flour. Cook and stir frequently for 1-2 minutes to form a roux and cook out the raw flour taste.
- Add Aromatics and Liquids: Stir in minced garlic followed by the broth (or dry white wine) and lemon juice plus zest. Let the mixture bubble gently for about 1 minute to combine flavors.
- Thicken Sauce: Whisk in the heavy cream and continue cooking for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
- Incorporate Cheese and Season: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in freshly grated parmesan. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a tablespoon of reserved pasta water to loosen it.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with extra parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately for best taste and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute vegetable broth or dry white wine depending on your preference or dietary needs.
- Reserving pasta water helps adjust the sauce consistency if it becomes too thick.
- Use freshly grated parmesan for best flavor and smooth melting.
- Adjust lemon zest and juice to taste for a brighter citrus flavor.
- This dish pairs well with a light green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
