Creamy Lemon Pasta
Ingredients
- 8 ounces uncooked pasta
rigatoni or penne recommended
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 tablespoon flour
- 1 small clove garlic
minced
- 1/4 cup chicken broth/veg 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
- to tasteSalt & pepper
- Garnish: fresh parsley & extra parm
optional
Directions
- 1
Boil a salted pot of water for the pasta and cook it al dente according to package directions.
- 2
When the pasta is about 10 minutes away from being done, add the butter to a skillet over medium-high heat. Once it melts, sprinkle the flour in and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring fairly often.
- 3
Add in the garlic, followed by the broth (or wine) and lemon juice + zest. Let it bubble for 1 minute.
- 4
Whisk in the cream and cook it for a few minutes until the sauce has thickened up to your liking.
- 5
Stir in the parmesan cheese and take the skillet off the heat. Season with salt & pepper as needed (I am generous with both).
- 6
Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss until coated (I like to add a tablespoon or so of the pasta water to the sauce prior to draining it, especially if it's become a tad too thick). Garnish with more parmesan and a bit of chopped parsley if desired. Serve immediately.
Creamy Lemon Pasta
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About this Recipe
Craving a comforting yet vibrant pasta dish that comes together in a flash? This Creamy Lemon Pasta delivers on all fronts, combining zesty brightness with a rich, satisfying sauce you’ll want to make again and again.
What makes this creamy lemon pasta truly stand out is its incredible simplicity and speed—ready in just 20 minutes of cooking time after a mere 5 minutes of prep. You'll build a luscious sauce from everyday ingredients like butter, flour, and heavy cream, expertly brightened by fresh lemon juice and zest for a sophisticated flavor profile that tastes anything but simple. The decadent parmesan cheese melts seamlessly into the sauce, creating a truly irresistible experience.
Prepare for a truly decadent experience where tender rigatoni or penne pasta is coated in a velvety, rich sauce. Each bite offers a harmonious balance: the bright, tangy notes of lemon cut through the creamy richness of the freshly grated parmesan cheese and heavy cream, creating a dish that feels both indulgent and refreshingly light. The subtle warmth of minced garlic adds a layer of savory depth to this delightful meal.
This recipe is wonderfully adaptable to your pantry. You can easily swap chicken broth for vegetable broth if you prefer, or elevate the flavors even further with a splash of dry white wine. Feel free to experiment with different short pasta shapes, though rigatoni or penne are particularly excellent for capturing every bit of that creamy sauce. For a finishing touch, don't forget the optional fresh parsley and extra parmesan.
Perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner or an elegant yet effortless meal when entertaining. Serve this Creamy Lemon Pasta alongside a simple green salad to complete the experience.