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
- 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)
Instructions
- Pasta Preparation: Bring a generously salted pot of water to a vigorous boil, then cook pasta until perfectly al dente according to package instructions.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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