Easy Creamy Lemon Pasta Recipe

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Pasta: Rigatoni works well for this dish due to its shape, which holds the sauce nicely. However, you can swap it with spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne based on your preference or what you’ve got at home.

Garlic: Fresh garlic gives a lovely flavor, but if you’re in a pinch, garlic powder will do. Just use about 1/4 teaspoon instead of the two cloves.

Heavy Cream: For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half or whole milk. Keep in mind that this may result in a less creamy texture, but it still tastes great!

Parmesan Cheese: If you’re out of Parmesan, Pecorino Romano works well. Nutritional yeast is a great vegan substitute for a cheesy flavor without dairy!

Lemon: Fresh lemon juice is key for brightness, but bottled lemon juice can work in a pinch. Just remember to adjust the amount based on taste.

How Do You Make the Sauce Creamy Without Clumps?

To achieve a smooth and creamy sauce, attention during the cooking process is necessary. Here are some tips:

• Start by melting the butter and sautéing the garlic on low heat. This prevents the garlic from browning, which can create bitterness.
• When adding the heavy cream, bring it to a gentle simmer. Avoid boiling it, as high heat can cause the cream to separate.
• Stir in the Parmesan gradually, allowing it to melt completely before adding lemon. This ensures a smooth texture.
• If the sauce seems too thick after tossing in the pasta, add some reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.

With these tips, you’ll have a velvety sauce that coats the pasta beautifully!

Easy Creamy Lemon Pasta

Ingredients You’ll Need:

Pasta:

• 12 oz rigatoni pasta (or any pasta of your choice)

For the Sauce:

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Juice of 1 lemon (about 2-3 tbsp)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

How Much Time Will You Need?

This Easy Creamy Lemon Pasta takes about 15 minutes of prep time and another 10-15 minutes for cooking, making it a quick meal to whip up in just 30 minutes!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta:

First, grab a large pot and fill it with water. Add a good pinch of salt and bring it to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, toss in the rigatoni (or your chosen pasta) and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Don’t forget to save about 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining the pasta!

2. Prepare the Butter and Garlic:

While your pasta is cooking, take a large skillet and heat it over medium heat. Add the unsalted butter. Once it has melted, throw in the minced garlic and sauté it for about 1 minute. You’ll know it’s done when it’s fragrant but make sure it doesn’t brown!

3. Make the Creamy Sauce:

Next, gently pour in the heavy cream and let it simmer lightly for about 2-3 minutes. This is where the magic happens as the cream thickens up a bit. Stir it occasionally to make sure nothing sticks to the bottom of the skillet.

4. Mix in the Cheese:

Lower the heat and carefully stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until it melts fully and the sauce becomes creamy and luscious.

5. Add Lemon Zest and Juice:

Time to brighten things up! Add the lemon zest and lemon juice to the sauce and mix well. Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. This will make the flavors pop!

6. Combine Pasta and Sauce:

Now, toss the drained pasta into the creamy lemon sauce. If the sauce seems a little thick, you can splash in some of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up, mixing it until every piece of pasta is covered with that yummy sauce.

7. Serve and Enjoy:

Serve your creamy lemon pasta right away! Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color. Enjoy the delightful flavors!

Hopefully, you love this dish as much as I do! 🍝✨

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I Use Another Type of Pasta?

Absolutely! While rigatoni is a great choice, you can use any pasta you have on hand, like spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type you choose!

How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?

This recipe is already meat-free! Just double-check that your Parmesan cheese is vegetarian-friendly, as some brands may include animal rennet. Substitute with a vegetarian cheese if needed.

Can I Prep This Dish in Advance?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to eat, simply reheat it on low heat and toss with freshly cooked pasta. Note that the sauce may thicken, so a splash of pasta water can help loosen it up!

What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can use the stove or microwave, adding a bit of water or cream to help bring back the creaminess. Just give it a good stir to mix everything again!