Lemon Cream Sauce Pasta Recipe

Prep Time 10 mins
Cook Time 20 mins
Rest Time 2 mins
Total Time 32 mins
Cooking Method:
Cuisine:
Courses: ,
Difficulty: Beginner
Cooking Temp: 180  C
Servings: 3
Best Season: All Seasons
Description

Lemon Cream Sauce Pasta is a rich yet refreshing pasta dish made with a silky cream-based sauce, fresh lemon zest, and garlic. This quick and comforting recipe delivers bright citrus flavor balanced with creamy texture, making it perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal. Ideal for anyone who loves simple Italian-style pasta with a fresh twist.

Ingredients
    For the Pasta
  • 250 g pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne)
  • 8 cups water
  • 1 tbsp salt
    • For the Lemon Cream Sauce
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic (finely minced)
  • 1 cup fresh cream (cooking cream or heavy cream)
  • 0.5 cup milk
  • 1 tbsp lemon zest (freshly grated)
  • 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 0.5 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 0.25 tsp red chili flakes (optional)
  • 0.5 cup grated parmesan-style cheese (vegetarian)
    • For Garnish (Optional)
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley (finely chopped)
  • Extra lemon zest for topping
Instructions
    Boil the Pasta
  1. 1
    Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add salt and pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 0.5 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
    2. Prepare the Garlic Base
  2. 2
    Heat olive oil in a wide pan over medium heat (around 180°C). Add minced garlic and sauté gently for 30–40 seconds until fragrant. Do not brown the garlic, as it can turn bitter.
    3. Create the Cream Sauce
  3. 3
    Lower the heat slightly and pour in the fresh cream and milk. Stir continuously and let the mixture warm gently for 2–3 minutes until it begins to thicken.
    4. Add Lemon Flavor
  4. 4
    Add lemon zest and lemon juice to the sauce. Stir well to combine. The sauce will become fragrant and slightly tangy while remaining creamy.
    5. Season the Sauce
  5. 5
    Add salt, black pepper, and red chili flakes if using. Stir and taste. Adjust seasoning as needed.
    6. Combine Pasta and Sauce
  6. 6
    Add the cooked pasta directly into the pan. Toss gently until the pasta is fully coated. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time if the sauce feels too thick.
    7. Finish with Cheese
  7. 7
    Sprinkle in the grated cheese and stir until melted and smooth. Turn off the heat and let the pasta rest for 1–2 minutes to allow the flavors to settle.
Note
  • Use fresh lemon juice only; bottled juice can make the sauce taste bitter.
  • For a lighter version, replace half of the cream with milk.
  • This pasta is best served fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk.
  • You can add grilled chicken, shrimp, or mushrooms if desired, ensuring all ingredients are.
Keywords: quick dinner, creamy pasta, easy pasta recipe, lemon pasta
Read it online: https://petitepanini.com/recipe/lemon-cream-sauce-pasta-recipe/