Creamy Lemon Pasta

Lemon Pasta, also known as Spaghetti al Limone, is one of my favorite quick and easy meals. It’s creamy, tangy, and bursting with fresh citrus flavor. Made with fresh lemon zest, garlic, butter, heavy cream, and Parmesan, this dish comes together in just 15 minutes.

If you have a lemon tree (or a friend who does), this is the perfect way to use up fresh lemons! Plus, this dish is light yet comforting, making it a great weeknight dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy: This creamy lemon pasta comes together in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.
• Fresh & Vibrant: The zesty lemon pasta sauce adds a bright, tangy flavor that pairs beautifully with Parmesan.
• Comforting Yet Light: Unlike heavy cream sauces, pasta al limone has a silky texture without feeling too rich.
• Versatile: Customize with your favorite pasta shape or add protein like shrimp or grilled chicken.
• Restaurant-Quality at Home: This lemon pasta recipe feels fancy but is super simple to make!

Ingredients for Lemon Pasta

• 1 lb Spaghetti (or your preferred pasta)
• 3 tbsp Butter
• 3 Garlic Cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp Olive Oil
• Zest from 2 Lemons
• 3 tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice
• 2 cups Heavy Cream
• 1 tsp Salt
• 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
• 1/4 – 1/2 tsp Red Chili Flakes (optional for heat)
• 2 oz Fresh Parmesan Cheese, grated

How to Make Creamy Lemon Pasta From Scratch

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 – 3/4 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. While pasta is cooking, heat a sauté pan over medium-low heat. Add butter and garlic and cook for 1 minute.
3. Drizzle in olive oil, then add lemon zest and juice.
4. Pour in heavy cream and season with salt, pepper, and red chili flakes. Let it simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
5. Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce, gradually adding pasta water until desired consistency is reached.
6. Finish with fresh Parmesan and more lemon zest. Garnish with basil if desired.

What Does Lemon Pasta Taste Like?

Lemon pasta has a bright, citrusy, and creamy flavor. The zest and juice bring freshness, while the butter, cream, and Parmesan make it rich and velvety. A pinch of red chili flakes adds a subtle heat, balancing the creaminess perfectly.

What Goes Well With Lemon Pasta?

Lemon pasta is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with:

• Grilled Chicken, Shrimp, or Salmon for protein.
• Roasted Vegetables like asparagus, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes.
• Crisp Green Salad with lemon vinaigrette.
• Garlic Bread to soak up the creamy sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Looking to complete your meal? Here are some perfect pairings for this lemon pasta recipe:

• Grilled or Pan-Seared Protei: Try it with grilled salmon, shrimp, or chicken for a heartier dish.
• Fresh Green Salad: A light salad with arugula, spinach, or romaine pairs well with the citrusy pasta.
• Garlic Bread or Focaccia: Perfect for soaking up the creamy lemon pasta sauce.
• Roasted or Sautéed Veggies: Asparagus, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes bring a fresh and colorful contrast.
• Crisp White Wine: A Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc complements the zesty lemon flavors beautifully.

FAQs

More Creamy Pasta Recipes You’ll Love

Looking for more creamy and flavorful pasta dishes? Try these:

• Crock-Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta
• Slow Cooker Creamy Italian Chicken Pasta
• Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

Try This Lemon Pasta Recipe Tonight!

This creamy lemon pasta is the perfect balance of fresh, tangy, and comforting flavors. It’s a quick and easy meal that feels fancy but takes just 15 minutes. Try it tonight and let me know what you think! Pin this recipe for later!

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