Zippy Creamy Lemon Pasta Recipe for Bright Dinner Joy

Tangy, bright flavors dance through this silky creamy lemon pasta that promises pure comfort on a plate.

Weeknight dinners never looked so elegant with such a simple yet stunning dish.

Zesty citrus notes weave through smooth, velvety sauce, creating a perfect balance of richness and brightness.

The recipe comes together in less than 30 minutes, making it an ideal solution for busy cooks seeking something delicious.

Parmesan cheese adds a salty depth that complements the lemon vibrant punch.

Fresh herbs sprinkled on top provide a final aromatic touch that turns an ordinary meal into something extraordinary.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this restaurant-quality pasta that tastes like sunshine on a fork.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 500 kcal

Servings: 5

Creamy Lemon Pasta Ingredient Overview

• Pasta: The heart of the dish, choose a shape that catches sauce beautifully like linguine or fettuccine, ensuring even coating and delightful texture.

• Butter: Provides rich, silky base for sauce, select high-quality unsalted butter for clean, smooth flavor.
• Flour: Creates magical thickening power, helping sauce develop velvety consistency without lumps.
• Garlic: Delivers intense aromatic punch, opt for fresh cloves with firm, smooth skin for maximum flavor.
• Chicken Broth: Adds depth and savory undertones, choose low-sodium version for better control of saltiness.
• Lemon Juice: Brings bright, tangy zestiness, select fresh lemons with vibrant, unblemished skin.
• Lemon Zest: Intensifies citrus essence, use microplane for delicate, fragrant shavings.
• Heavy Cream: Guarantees luxurious, silky texture, pick fresh cream with high butterfat content.

• Parmesan Cheese: Contributes salty, nutty complexity, select freshly grated for superior melting quality.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile, use kosher or sea salt for clean seasoning.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and complexity, grind fresh for most vibrant taste.
• Parsley: Provides fresh, herbal garnish, choose bright green leaves without wilting.

Pasta Tools for Creamy Lemon Recipe

• Large Pot: Essential for boiling pasta perfectly with plenty of salted water.
• Skillet: Key tool for creating and simmering the creamy lemon sauce.
• Whisk: Perfect for blending ingredients smoothly and preventing lumps in the sauce.
• Colander: Needed to drain pasta after cooking.
• Measuring Cups/Spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient amounts.
• Microplane or Grater: Great for zesting fresh lemon and grating parmesan cheese.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Helpful for stirring and tossing pasta in the sauce.

Creamy Lemon Pasta Cooking Steps

• Pasta Preparation

Grab a big pot and fill it with water. Sprinkle in some salt and bring the water to a rolling boil. Cook the pasta until it’s perfectly tender but still has a slight bite.

• Sauce Foundation

In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Dust in a light layer of flour and let it dance around the pan, creating a golden base for your sauce.

• Flavor Explosion

Toss in minced garlic, then pour in broth with a splash of bright lemon juice. Sprinkle some lemon zest to wake up the flavors and let everything simmer and bubble.

• Creamy Magic

Swirl in heavy cream, watching the sauce transform into a silky smooth texture. Let it bubble gently until it reaches a luxurious consistency.

• Cheesy Finale

Remove the skillet from heat and stir in parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to make the flavors pop.

• Perfect Combination

Pour the drained pasta into the skillet. Gently toss until every strand is coated in the dreamy sauce. If it looks too thick, splash in a bit of pasta water to loosen things up.

• Elegant Serving

Sprinkle some extra parmesan and fresh parsley on top. Serve immediately and get ready to enjoy a restaurant-worthy meal at home.

Tips for Lemon Pasta Perfection

• Toss in grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or crispy bacon bits to transform this pasta into a hearty main dish that satisfies hungry appetites.
• Fold in roasted asparagus, sautéed spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes to add color, nutrition, and extra flavor layers that complement the creamy sauce.
• Sprinkle red pepper flakes, add a dash of cayenne, or drizzle hot sauce for those who love a zingy kick that balances the creamy, lemony base.
• Swap heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream, and use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan to create a delicious vegan-friendly version that doesn't compromise on richness.

Serving Creamy Lemon Pasta

• Sunshine Lunch Companion: Pair this zesty pasta with a crisp garden salad dressed in light vinaigrette for a refreshing midday meal.
• Protein Power-Up: Top the creamy pasta with grilled chicken, seared shrimp, or pan-roasted salmon to transform it into a hearty main course that satisfies bigger appetites.
• Wine Country Delight: Complement the lemony pasta with a chilled glass of crisp white wine like sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio, which enhances the bright citrus notes and creamy texture.
• Herb Garden Finale: Sprinkle fresh chopped basil, chives, or additional parsley on top to add a vibrant green color and bring an extra layer of fresh flavor to the dish.

Storing Creamy Lemon Pasta

• Fridge Fresh Storage: Keep leftover creamy lemon pasta in an airtight container for 3-4 days. The sauce might separate slightly, but a quick stir will help restore its creamy texture when reheating.
• Quick Reheat Trick: Warm the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk or pasta water to revive the sauce's smoothness. Avoid microwave heating to prevent sauce from breaking down.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the sauce components separately and store them individually. Combine just before serving to maintain the pasta's perfect al dente texture and vibrant lemon flavor.
• Freezer Caution: While technically possible, cream-based sauces don't freeze well. The texture can become grainy and separated upon thawing, compromising the dish's delightful creaminess.

Silky Lemon Pasta Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Homemade creamy lemon pasta delivers Italian sunshine on a plate with zesty, rich flavors. Quick preparation and simple ingredients make this recipe a delightful weeknight dinner you will savor completely.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 oz (226 g) pasta (rigatoni or penne)
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy/whipping cream
• ⅓ cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated
• 2 tbsps butter
• ½ tbsp flour
• 1 small clove garlic, minced
• ¼ cup (60 ml) chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 tsp lemon juice
• Zest of ½ lemon
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste
• Parsley, fresh (optional)
• Parmesan cheese, extra (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Pasta Preparation: Bring a generously salted pot of water to a vigorous boil, then cook pasta until perfectly al dente according to package instructions.
2. Sauce Foundation: In a spacious skillet, melt butter over medium heat and whisk in flour, creating a golden roux that will lend depth and thickness to the sauce. Allow the mixture to develop a nutty aroma for 1-2 minutes.
3. Flavor Layering: Introduce minced garlic to the roux, letting its fragrance bloom briefly. Pour in broth, fresh lemon juice, and zest, allowing the ingredients to harmonize and bubble, releasing their vibrant essences.
4. Cream Integration: Slowly stream heavy cream into the skillet, whisking continuously to prevent separation. Simmer the sauce until it reduces and thickens, transforming into a luxurious coating that will embrace the pasta.
5. Cheese Infusion: Remove skillet from heat and incorporate grated parmesan, creating a silky, rich texture. Season with salt and cracked black pepper, adjusting to taste and ensuring a balanced flavor profile.
6. Final Assembly: Drain pasta, reserving a small amount of cooking water. Transfer pasta directly into the creamy sauce, tossing thoroughly to ensure even coating. If needed, add a splash of reserved water to achieve the ideal sauce consistency.
7. Presentation: Plate the pasta immediately, garnishing with additional parmesan shavings and chopped parsley. Serve hot, inviting diners to savor the harmonious blend of tangy and creamy flavors.

Notes

• Master Pasta Water Technique: Reserve a cup of starchy pasta water to adjust sauce consistency, preventing a dry or overly thick sauce.
• Prevent Sauce Separation: Whisk cream slowly and steadily into the skillet, maintaining medium heat to ensure a smooth, uniform sauce without curdling.
• Optimize Lemon Flavor: Use both fresh lemon zest and juice for a bright, multi-dimensional citrus profile that enhances the overall taste experience.
• Achieve Perfect Sauce Texture: Allow sauce to simmer and reduce gradually, creating a velvety consistency that perfectly coats each pasta strand without becoming too thick or runny.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 500
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg