Description
Zesty lemon garlic pasta brings Mediterranean sunshine to your plate with fresh parsley and parmesan. Simple ingredients create a quick, elegant meal perfect for weeknight dinners and weekend indulgence.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 8 ounces (225 grams) spaghetti or pasta of choice
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 cloves garlic
Seasonings and Flavor Enhancers:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lemon (zested and juiced)
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Optional: extra lemon slices
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with salted water and bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Add pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes.
- Before draining pasta, carefully reserve 1 cup of starchy cooking water. Drain pasta and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium temperature until it shimmers, approximately 1-2 minutes.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté quickly, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Cook until fragrant, about 30-45 seconds.
- Pour heavy cream into the skillet and gently simmer, stirring continuously to create a smooth base.
- Gradually incorporate freshly grated Parmesan cheese into the cream, whisking until completely melted and sauce becomes velvety.
- Introduce lemon juice and zest to the sauce, stirring to distribute flavors evenly. Season with salt and pepper to enhance the taste profile.
- Transfer cooked pasta directly into the skillet, tossing meticulously to ensure each strand is thoroughly coated with the creamy lemon garlic sauce.
- If sauce appears too thick, incrementally add reserved pasta water until desired consistency is achieved.
- Plate immediately, garnishing with fresh chopped parsley and optional lemon slices. Serve hot and enjoy the vibrant, creamy pasta.
Notes
- Toast garlic gently to prevent burning and release maximum flavor without bitterness.
- Use starchy pasta water as a secret weapon to adjust sauce consistency and help ingredients bind smoothly.
- Choose full-fat cream and freshly grated Parmesan for richer, more authentic taste and better melting quality.
- Zest lemons before juicing to maximize citrus essence and brighten the entire dish’s flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 40 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg