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Creamy Lemon Pasta

A close-up of a white plate filled with creamy lemon pasta, topped with fresh parsley and grated cheese.

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A quick and easy creamy lemon pasta recipe perfect for busy weeknights. This one-pot dish delivers restaurant-quality flavor in under 20 minutes.

Ingredients

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  • 12 oz linguine or spaghetti
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (from 12 lemons)
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

  1. In a large skillet or pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  2. Add the dry pasta, broth, and heavy cream to the skillet. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente and the sauce has thickened.
  3. Remove from heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest.
  4. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  5. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.

Notes

  • For added protein, stir in cooked chicken or shrimp during the last few minutes of cooking.
  • To lighten the sauce, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with plain Greek yogurt.
  • This recipe is a great base for meal planning, offering a quick and satisfying dinner option.

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