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The Ultimate 20-Minute Creamy Lemon Parmesan Pasta

Close-up of creamy lemon pasta being lifted from a plate, topped with grated parmesan and fresh parsley.
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Make this bright, velvety, and easy creamy lemon pasta in under 20 minutes. It delivers rich comfort food flavor with a zesty finish, perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

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  • 12 oz spaghetti or linguine pasta
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve at least 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. Drain the pasta and set aside.
  2. While the pasta cooks, prepare the sauce. Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
  3. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Do not let the garlic brown.
  4. Reduce the heat to low. Pour in the heavy cream, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Stir to combine.
  5. Slowly whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add a few tablespoons of the reserved pasta water until you reach a velvety consistency.
  6. Season the sauce with salt and black pepper. Taste and adjust lemon or salt as needed.
  7. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated. Add more pasta water if the sauce tightens up too much.
  8. Serve immediately. Top each portion with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh chopped parsley.

Notes

  • For a complete meal, add cooked shrimp or shredded rotisserie chicken during the final step when tossing the pasta with the sauce.
  • If you prefer a tangier sauce, substitute 1/4 cup of the heavy cream with cream cheese, softened, and whisk until smooth before adding the Parmesan.
  • Use fresh lemon juice for the best bright flavor; bottled juice changes the taste profile.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://daisyrecipe.com/creamy-lemon-pasta-recipe-easy-velvety/