20 Minutes Creamy Lemon Pasta Recipe
This 20-minute creamy Lemon Pasta recipe is a quick and delicious meal featuring pappardelle pasta tossed in a luscious lemon-infused cream sauce with garlic, Parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley. Perfect for a light yet indulgent dinner, it balances tangy citrus and rich creaminess with ease.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 1 pound pappardelle pasta
- 1/2 cup pasta water (reserved)
- Kosher salt, for boiling pasta
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced or grated
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup finely shredded Parmesan cheese (about 3 oz.)
- Zest and juice of 2 lemons
- Fresh cracked pepper, to taste
Garnish
- Fresh chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to boil, add 2-4 tablespoons of Kosher salt, then add 1 pound of pappardelle. Cook according to package directions until just al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Sauté Garlic: While pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons butter and 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium-low heat. Add 3 cloves minced garlic and season with a couple pinches of salt and pepper. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring frequently, until fragrant but not browned.
- Make Cream Sauce: Whisk in 2 cups heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Let the cream simmer gently over medium-low heat for a few minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Add Cheese and Lemon: Remove the pan from heat and stir in 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese along with the zest and juice of 2 lemons. Continue stirring until the cheese fully melts, creating a smooth sauce. Taste and season with salt and freshly cracked pepper as needed.
- Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the cooked pasta back into the sauce along with a splash or two of the reserved pasta water. Cook over medium heat until the pasta is warmed through and nicely coated in the creamy sauce. Adjust seasoning with salt if necessary.
- Garnish and Serve: Serve the creamy lemon pasta garnished with fresh chopped parsley for a bright, fresh finish. Enjoy immediately.
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Notes
- Be careful not to overcook the garlic to avoid bitterness.
- Reserve some pasta water to loosen the sauce as needed.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and smooth melting.
- Taste and adjust seasoning throughout the cooking process.
- This recipe can be made gluten-free using gluten-free pappardelle or your favorite pasta alternative.
Keywords: lemon pasta, creamy pasta, lemon cream sauce, garlic pasta, quick pasta recipe, Italian pasta dish, easy dinner, pappardelle pasta
