Creamy Lemon Pasta
This creamy lemon pasta is a 20-minute weeknight hero — bright, silky, and comforting with Parmesan, butter, garlic, and lemon. A quick dinner that tastes gourmet without the fuss.
Equipment
- Large pot
- skillet or sauté pan
- wooden spoon or tongs
- microplane or zester
- cheese grater
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti or linguine
- 2 lemons (zest and juice)
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1.5 cups reserved pasta water
- salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente according to package directions. Reserve 1.5 cups of pasta water before draining.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, then remove from heat.
- Add drained pasta to the skillet. Toss with butter and garlic, then add lemon zest, lemon juice, and half of the Parmesan cheese.
- Gradually add reserved pasta water, tossing continuously until a creamy, glossy sauce forms that coats the pasta.
- Stir in remaining Parmesan and fresh parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra parsley or lemon zest if desired.
Notes
✨ Variations: Add shrimp or chicken for protein, toss in spinach or roasted veggies, sprinkle red pepper flakes for spice, or swap parsley for basil or mint.
💡 Tips: Save pasta water before draining — it’s the secret to a creamy, glossy sauce!
💡 Tips: Save pasta water before draining — it’s the secret to a creamy, glossy sauce!
Nutrition
Nutrition Facts
Creamy Lemon Pasta
Amount per Serving
Calories
430
% Daily Value*
Fat
17
g
26
%
Saturated Fat
9
g
56
%
Polyunsaturated Fat
1
g
Monounsaturated Fat
5
g
Cholesterol
45
mg
15
%
Sodium
260
mg
11
%
Potassium
220
mg
6
%
Carbohydrates
54
g
18
%
Fiber
3
g
13
%
Sugar
3
g
3
%
Protein
16
g
32
%
Vitamin A
500
IU
10
%
Vitamin C
14
mg
17
%
Calcium
220
mg
22
%
Iron
2.1
mg
12
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
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