20-Minute Creamy Lemon Pasta
20-Minute Creamy Lemon Pasta is a delightful dish that brings the vibrant flavors of Italy to your kitchen in just 20 minutes. This quick recipe combines zesty lemon and rich cream, enveloping al dente pasta for a comforting meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy night in. With its luscious sauce and simple ingredients, this dish will have everyone asking for seconds!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz spaghetti or fettuccine
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Zest and juice of 2 fresh lemons
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Boil salted water in a pot; cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Pour in heavy cream and simmer for about 2 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in lemon zest and juice.
- Add drained pasta and Parmesan cheese to the skillet; toss until evenly coated with the sauce.
- Adjust the consistency with reserved pasta water as needed for a creamy texture.
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and chopped herbs if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (250g)
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 19g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: - For added nutrition, toss in sautéed spinach or grilled chicken. - Substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter version. - Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days and reheat gently on the stove.