Description
Easy Creamy Lemon Garlic Pasta is a rich, silky spaghetti tossed in a bright lemon garlic cream sauce with Parmesan and fresh herbs. Ready in about 20 minutes, this cozy pasta is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something comforting but fresh and flavorful.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 500 ml heavy cream (about 2 cups)
- 3 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 300 g spaghetti (about 10–11 oz)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- ½ cup reserved pasta water
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside. - Sauté the Garlic:
In a large skillet over medium-low heat, melt the butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden. Do not let it burn. - Add Lemon Juice:
Stir in the freshly squeezed lemon juice and cook for about 30 seconds to blend the flavors. - Make the Cream Sauce:
Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Let simmer gently for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened. - Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Add cooked spaghetti to the skillet along with ½ cup reserved pasta water. Toss using tongs until the pasta is fully coated and glossy. - Finish the Dish:
Remove from heat. Stir in chopped parsley and grated Parmesan. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. - Serve:
Serve immediately with extra Parmesan and fresh lemon slices if desired.
Notes
- If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of pasta water to loosen it.
- Always grate fresh Parmesan for the smoothest sauce.
- Keep heat low when simmering cream to prevent curdling.
- For added protein, grilled chicken or shrimp pairs beautifully.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 620 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 42 g
- Saturated Fat: 25 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 52 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 13 g
- Cholesterol: 125 mg