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
Scale
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
