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Creamy Lemon Pasta

Creamy Lemon Pasta: A Bright and Velvety Weeknight Winner

Creamy Lemon Pasta is a delightful dish combining bright flavors and a velvety texture, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 600
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 12 oz pasta (like fettuccine or penne)
For the Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil perfect for sautéing garlic
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1.5 cups heavy cream can substitute with half-and-half or plant-based cream
  • 1 cup pasta water reserved to adjust sauce consistency
  • 0.5 cups Parmesan cheese grated, can replace with dairy-free cheese
  • 2 lemons zest and juice
  • salt & pepper to taste
Optional Garnish
  • fresh parsley finely chopped
  • crushed red pepper flakes optional

Equipment

  • large pot
  • colander
  • stirring spoon

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz of pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. Make the Sauce: In the same pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes. Pour in 1.5 cups of heavy cream, bringing to a simmer for 3-4 minutes.
  3. Incorporate Lemons: Stir in the zest and juice of 2 lemons. Season with salt and pepper, letting it simmer for an additional minute.
  4. Combine: Add the drained pasta to the sauce, tossing for 2-3 minutes. Mix in 0.5 cups of grated Parmesan cheese until melted.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Transfer to serving bowls, sprinkle with parsley and more Parmesan if desired. Serve hot.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 75gProtein: 15gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 350mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Always reserve pasta water for adjusting sauce thickness. Use quality ingredients for the best flavor.

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