This Easy Creamy Lemon Garlic Pasta Recipe flavourful & easy recipe will be your new favorite pasta! Lemon & garlic is the most amazing combo that will satisfy all of your cravings! It's easier than you think and requires minimal effort and simple ingredients. Also known as, pasta al limone!
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This Easy Creamy Lemon Garlic Pasta Recipe recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights and has no seasonal boundaries, because of it's light yet flavourful taste. However, it particularly is most incredible when served with a fresh salad and a glass of white wine, making it the ideal quick meal as the warmth of summer approaches.
If you like easy and creamy pasta dishes, you’ll love my creamier carbonara, marry me chicken pasta, creamier carbonara & fettuccine Alfredo.
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Ingredients for this Easy Creamy Lemon Garlic Pasta Recipe
- Unsalted Butter
- Garlic cloves
- Fresh Lemons
- Heavy Cream
- Fresh Parsley
- Grated Parmesan
- Spaghetti
- Pasta Water
- Salt and Black Pepper
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Melt the butter over medium-low heat, add the minced garlic cloves.
Pour the heavy cream into the skillet with the garlic and lemon mixture.
Add in the Spaghetti.
Finish with Parsley and Parmesan.
Prepare the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until it reaches al dente texture.
Cook the Garlic: In a large skillet or saucepan, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for a couple of minutes, stirring occasionally, until the garlic becomes fragrant and golden brown.
Add Lemon Juice: Once the garlic is golden, pour in the freshly squeezed lemon juice. Stir well to combine, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Simmer with Heavy Cream: Pour the heavy cream into the skillet with the garlic and lemon mixture. Stir to combine all the ingredients. Let the mixture simmer over medium-low heat for about 5 minutes, or until the sauce begins to thicken slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Add in the Spaghetti: Once the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency, add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Along with half a cup of pasta water. Using tongs or a pasta fork, toss the spaghetti in the creamy sauce until it is evenly coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning as needed.
Finish with Parsley and Parmesan: Remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle the chopped parsley over the pasta and grate the Parmesan cheese on top. Gently toss the pasta once more to incorporate the parsley and Parmesan throughout the dish.
Serve: Transfer this Easy Creamy Lemon Garlic Pasta Recipe to serving plates or bowls. Garnish with additional parsley and Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy the delightful flavors of this creamy and flavorful pasta dish!
Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: Substitute with extra virgin olive oil, coconut oil, or margarine.
Fresh Garlic: Use shallots, garlic powder, or scallions as alternatives.
Lemon: Replace with white wine vinegar or lime juice.
Heavy Cream: Substitute with half-and-half, coconut cream, or a homemade bechamel sauce.
Fresh Parsley: Use cilantro, basil, or chives instead.
Parmigiano Reggiano: Replace with Pecorino Romano or Asiago.
Spaghetti: Substitute with linguine, fettuccine, penne or any pasta shape you have on hand.
Optional: If you want to spice things up a bit, you can always add some red pepper flakes!
Equipment
Large Pan
Big Pot to boil Pasta
Lemon Juicer
Knife
Storage
To store, transfer leftover pasta to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
To reheat, place the desired portion in a microwave-safe dish with a splash of water, cover, and microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.
Alternatively, reheat on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed. You can add a little splash of heavy cream or water for added creaminess.
To freeze, cool pasta completely, portion into airtight freezer bags or containers, and label with date. Freeze for up to 3 months. Make sure to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
3 Top Tips for Success
Balanced Flavors: Adjust the amount of lemon juice and garlic to achieve the perfect balance without the acidity of lemon overpowering the dish. Also, make sure to use fresh ingredients!
Texture Matters: Cook the pasta al dente so that it can absorb the creamy lemon garlic pasta sauce without becoming mushy.
Simmer Slowly: Allow the heavy cream to simmer gently with the garlic and lemon juice, stirring occasionally, to ensure it thickens properly and coats the pasta evenly for a creamy finish.
FAQ's for Easy Creamy Lemon Garlic Pasta Recipe
A: Yes, but in that case, I would recommend adding in this mixture to the sauce: 1 tablespoon of flour & 100 ml water (mixed well). After you let this simmer, it’ll help the sauce obtain a thicker consistency.
A: Yes, you can add lemon to a cream sauce without making it curdle as long as you do it slowly and over low heat. Adding the lemon juice slowly while stirring all the time keeps the cream from curdling by giving it time to get used to the acidity. Using fresh lemon juice and making sure the sauce doesn't get too hot can also lower the risk of curdling.
A: People add lemon to pasta for its bright, refreshing flavor that balances rich sauces. It’s acidity enhances taste, pairs well with various ingredients, and adds a fresh, zesty twist to dishes. Helps make the perfect Easy Creamy Lemon Garlic Pasta Recipe!
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Pairing
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Easy Creamy Lemon Garlic Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until it reaches al dente texture. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Cook the Garlic: In a large skillet or saucepan, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for a couple of minutes, stirring occasionally, until the garlic becomes fragrant and golden brown.
- Add Lemon Juice: Once the garlic is golden, pour in the freshly squeezed lemon juice. Stir well to combine, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Simmer with Heavy Cream: Pour the heavy cream into the skillet with the garlic and lemon mixture. Stir to combine all the ingredients. Let the mixture simmer over medium-low heat for about 5 minutes, or until the sauce begins to thicken slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add in the Spaghetti: Once the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency, add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Along with half a cup of pasta water. Using tongs or a pasta fork, toss the spaghetti in the creamy sauce until it is evenly coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning as needed.
- Finish with Parsley and Parmesan: Remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle the chopped parsley over the pasta and grate the Parmesan cheese on top. Gently toss the pasta once more to incorporate the parsley and Parmesan throughout the dish.
- Serve: Transfer the Creamy Lemon Garlic Pasta to serving plates or bowls. Garnish with additional parsley and Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy the delightful flavors of this creamy and flavorful pasta dish!
Food safety
- Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooking food unattended
- Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
See more guidelines at USDA.gov.
Beth Rice says
Easy and delicious! I will definitely make
This again and again
Maja Ilic says
I am so glad to hear that! Thank you for sharing Beth!!
-Maja
Faith roberts says
Am going to try this will reply later
Sophia says
Made this tonight for a family get together and it was a hit!! Thank you 🙂
Maja Ilic says
Yay!! I'm so glad! Thank you for sharing Sophia!