Description
This Creamy Lemon Pasta is a rich yet refreshing Italian-inspired dish made with butter, garlic, cream, lemon juice, and Parmesan cheese. It’s quick, comforting, and perfectly balanced with zesty brightness and creamy texture, ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces uncooked pasta (rigatoni or penne): holds the creamy sauce perfectly
- 2 tablespoons butter: adds richness and smoothness
- 1/2 tablespoon flour: thickens the sauce
- 1 small clove garlic, minced: adds savory depth
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or dry white wine: enhances flavor and acidity
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice + zest of 1/2 lemon: brightens the sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream: creates a luscious, creamy base
- 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: adds umami and texture
- Salt and pepper to taste: balances all flavors
- Fresh parsley and extra Parmesan for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Boil a large pot of salted water and cook pasta al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water.
- In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Sprinkle in flour and whisk for 1–2 minutes to form a smooth roux.
- Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth (or wine), lemon juice, and zest. Stir and let it bubble for a minute.
- Gradually whisk in heavy cream and simmer until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat evenly. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan before serving immediately.
Notes
- Use heavy cream only — lower-fat options may curdle with lemon juice.
- Always grate Parmesan fresh for better flavor and melting.
- Add pasta water gradually to adjust sauce thickness.
- Best served fresh; avoid freezing as the texture may separate.
- For a complete meal, add shrimp, chicken, or vegetables.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Fat: 33g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
Keywords: Creamy Lemon Pasta, lemon cream sauce, Italian pasta recipe, creamy pasta, easy pasta dinner, lemon parmesan sauce, comfort food