Description
A quick and easy creamy lemon garlic pasta recipe that combines the bright tang of fresh lemon juice with rich heavy cream, garlic, and parmesan cheese. This comforting dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner and comes together in just 25 minutes, delivering a luscious sauce coating perfectly cooked spaghetti, finished with fresh parsley for a vibrant touch.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 500 ml heavy cream
- 3 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 300 g spaghetti
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. 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 and sauté for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fragrant and golden brown.
- Add Lemon Juice: Pour in the freshly squeezed lemon juice and stir well to combine, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Simmer with Heavy Cream: Add the heavy cream to the skillet and stir to combine. Let it simmer over medium-low heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add in the Spaghetti: Add the cooked spaghetti along with half a cup of reserved pasta water to the sauce. Toss using tongs or a pasta fork to evenly coat the pasta. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Finish with Parsley and Parmesan: Remove from heat, sprinkle chopped parsley and grate Parmesan cheese over the pasta. Gently toss again to incorporate the ingredients thoroughly.
- Serve: Transfer the pasta to serving plates or bowls, garnish with extra parsley and Parmesan if desired, and serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency as needed when mixing with the pasta.
- Be careful not to burn the garlic during sautéing; cook on medium-low heat for a gentle golden color.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best bright and authentic flavor.
- Grate Parmesan freshly for optimal taste and texture.
- This recipe can be easily doubled for larger servings.
