Lemon Garlic Pasta Recipe
If you’re looking for a bright, comforting dish that’s bursting with fresh flavors, this Lemon Garlic Pasta Recipe is an absolute must-try. It combines the zesty punch of lemon, the fragrant warmth of garlic, and the creamy richness of parmesan in a way that feels both indulgent and light. Whether you’re cooking for a quick weeknight dinner or impressing guests, this pasta delivers satisfying texture and a vibrant taste that will keep you coming back for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Lemon Garlic Pasta Recipe is simple yet essential, each contributing its unique touch to the final dish. From the silky olive oil that carries the flavors to the fresh lemon juice that brightens the entire plate, these ingredients come together to create a perfect balance of taste, texture, and color.
- 13.5 oz package spaghetti: This classic pasta shape holds the sauce beautifully and cooks to a perfect al dente bite.
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil: Adds a luxurious, fruity base that infuses the garlic with rich flavor.
- 3 tablespoons chopped fresh garlic: The star aromatic that gives the dish its irresistible savory depth.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes: A gentle kick of heat that balances the tangy lemon and creamy elements.
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper: Freshly cracked black pepper adds sharpness and a subtle earthiness.
- 3/4 cup whipping cream: Creates a luscious sauce that clings to each strand of spaghetti.
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice: Bursts with citrus brightness, giving the pasta its signature tang.
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest: Intensifies the lemon flavor with aromatic oils from the peel.
- 1 cup parmesan cheese: Brings savory, nutty creaminess and helps thicken the sauce perfectly.
How to Make Lemon Garlic Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Boil the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. The salt seasons the pasta from the inside out, which is essential for flavor. Cook your spaghetti until just al dente, which means it should have a tiny bit of firmness when you bite into it. This ensures the pasta holds up perfectly when tossed in the sauce.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
While the pasta cooks, heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped garlic, red pepper flakes, and black pepper. Sauté gently until the garlic is fragrant and golden but not browned, which ensures the sauce remains smooth with no bitter notes. Stir in the lemon zest, then pour in the whipping cream, allowing the mixture to simmer gently so it thickens into a rich, silky sauce.
Step 3: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Once your sauce has thickened, remove the skillet from heat and stir in the fresh lemon juice to preserve its bright flavor. Drain the pasta, reserving a bit of the starchy pasta water. Toss the cooked spaghetti directly into the sauce, combining everything thoroughly. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the pasta water to loosen it up, creating the perfect creamy consistency that clings beautifully to each strand.
Step 4: Finish and Garnish
To complete your Lemon Garlic Pasta Recipe, sprinkle the parmesan cheese generously over the pasta and toss once more. The cheese melts slightly, enriching the texture and taste. For an extra touch of freshness and color, top with chopped parsley or basil if you have them on hand. This final step enhances both the flavor and the visual appeal of your dish.
How to Serve Lemon Garlic Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes can elevate this pasta from everyday to extraordinary. A sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan adds nutty richness, while a scattering of chopped parsley or basil offers a burst of herbaceous brightness and lovely color contrast. A few lemon zest curls can also work wonders as a fragrant finishing touch.
Side Dishes
For a complete meal, this Lemon Garlic Pasta pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads involving ingredients like arugula or baby spinach with a light vinaigrette. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette is always a welcome companion to soak up the luscious sauce. Roasted vegetables such as asparagus or cherry tomatoes add depth and natural sweetness to balance the tangy creaminess.
Creative Ways to Present
To impress your guests, serve this pasta in warm bowls with a small wedge of lemon on the side for anyone who craves extra zing. Garnishing each portion with microgreens or edible flowers can add an elegant, restaurant-style touch. Alternatively, try twirling the pasta with tongs into neat nests on the plate for an eye-catching presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from your Lemon Garlic Pasta Recipe, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate. The pasta will stay fresh for 2 to 3 days, though it’s best enjoyed within that timeframe to keep the sauce tasting bright and creamy.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t ideal for this dish since the cream-based sauce can separate and become grainy when thawed. If you must freeze, separate the pasta and sauce and freeze them individually in airtight containers. Thaw slowly in the refrigerator before reheating gently.
Reheating
To reheat your pasta, warm it over low heat on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream or pasta water to revitalize the sauce’s creaminess. Avoid microwaving on high heat as it may cause the sauce to separate, altering the texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this Lemon Garlic Pasta Recipe?
Absolutely! While spaghetti is classic, you can use linguine, fettuccine, or even penne. Just keep in mind how the shape holds the sauce to ensure every bite is delicious.
Is it necessary to use fresh lemon juice and zest?
Fresh lemon juice and zest make a noticeable difference in flavor. Bottled juice often lacks the brightness needed, and zest provides essential aromatic oils that deepen the lemon impact.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
To make a vegan version of this Lemon Garlic Pasta Recipe, substitute the whipping cream with coconut cream or cashew cream and use a plant-based parmesan alternative or nutritional yeast for that cheesy taste.
Can I add protein to this dish?
Definitely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even pan-seared tofu work well. Simply cook your protein separately and toss it in at the end with the pasta and sauce.
What’s the best way to prevent the garlic from burning?
Cook garlic over medium or medium-low heat and keep a close eye on it. Garlic burns quickly and turns bitter, so stirring frequently and removing from heat at the perfect golden color is key.
Final Thoughts
This Lemon Garlic Pasta Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate, brightened by lemon and made irresistible by that creamy, garlicky sauce. It’s simple enough to whip up any night of the week but special enough to make you look forward to dinner. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll become a staple in your kitchen rotation. Give it a go and enjoy every delicious bite!
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Lemon Garlic Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Lemon Garlic Pasta recipe is a vibrant and creamy dish that combines zesty lemon, aromatic garlic, and rich parmesan cheese. The spaghetti is cooked to al dente perfection and then tossed in a luscious sauce made with olive oil, fresh garlic, cream, and red pepper flakes for a slight kick. Finished with fresh herbs and lemon zest, this pasta is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a light, flavorful meal any time.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 13.5 oz package spaghetti
Sauce
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons chopped fresh garlic
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 3/4 cup whipping cream
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
Garnish
- 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
- Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain and reserve some pasta water for later use.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a large skillet, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped fresh garlic, red pepper flakes, and black pepper, sautéing until the garlic is fragrant and lightly golden, about 2 minutes. Stir in the lemon zest and then add the whipping cream. Allow the sauce to simmer gently and thicken for about 3-5 minutes.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the fresh lemon juice. Add the cooked spaghetti directly into the sauce, tossing to combine thoroughly. If the sauce seems too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach a creamy consistency.
- Finish and Garnish: Transfer the pasta to serving bowls or plates. Top each serving with grated parmesan cheese, and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and basil to elevate the flavors and add a touch of freshness.
Notes
- Use freshly grated parmesan for the best flavor and texture.
- You can adjust the red pepper flakes quantity to control the heat level.
- If you prefer a dairy-free version, substitute the whipping cream with coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative.
- Reserve some pasta water before draining; it helps loosen the sauce for a creamier finish.
- Fresh lemon juice is preferable over bottled for the best citrus flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Boiling and Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
Keywords: Lemon Garlic Pasta, Creamy Lemon Pasta, Italian Pasta Recipe, Easy Pasta Dinner, Garlic Pasta, Lemon Zest Pasta
