From the Cook
From the Cook
From the Cook
From the Cook
From the Cook
From the Cook
1/9
Creamy Lemon Pasta (20-Minute Recipe)
Instructions
1
Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. You want it to be *slightly* undercooked as it will cook a little more in the skillet with the sauce. Be sure to save ½ cup of the pasta water.
2
When the pasta has 5 minutes left, start the sauce. Melt 1 tablespoon of the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add in the garlic and sauté for 2 minutes. Whisk in the lemon zest and cream and continue to whisk until the liquid comes to a gentle simmer.
3
Add the remaining butter in, 1 tablespoon at a time, stirring continuously until all of the butter is added and melted. If your pasta is not yet done, remove the sauce from the heat.
4
Once the pasta is done, return the sauce skillet to the heat over medium and whisk in ½ cup of the pasta water. Then transfer the pasta to the skillet with the sauce and stir to coat.
5
Mix in the parmesan until it’s fully melted. Finally, add in the lemon juice and stir to combine. The sauce should be a little on the thinner side but it thickens quickly as it begins to cool. However, if you think it’s too thin, you can sprinkle on a teaspoon of flour and stir to mix.
6
Season to taste with additional salt and pepper. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
1
To store. Place leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days. We do not recommend freezing this pasta dish.
2
To reheat. Gently rewarm leftovers in a Dutch oven or large pot on the stovetop over medium-low heat, splashing in cream, almond milk, regular milk or water as needed to loosen the sauce. You can also reheat individual servings in the microwave.
My Calorie Intake
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Tips & Tricks (5)
- Reserve Pasta Water Before Draining 💧Save 1 cup of starchy pasta water before draining—this liquid gold helps emulsify the cream sauce and creates a silky, cohesive coating that clings perfectly to each strand of pasta.
- Zest Lemon Before Juicing 🍋Always zest your lemon first, then juice it separately—the zest adds bright, concentrated citrus flavor and visual appeal that bottled juice cannot replicate, elevating the dish from simple to sophisticated.
- Temper the Cream Off Heat 🔥Remove your pan from heat before adding heavy cream and lemon juice to prevent the cream from breaking or curdling; whisk in cooled ingredients gently, then reheat on low just until combined.
- Add Butter Last for Silky Finish 🧈Incorporate cold butter pieces into the finished sauce off heat for a luxurious, glossy emulsion—this technique, called 'mounting,' creates professional-level richness that melting butter during cooking cannot achieve.
- Season Progressively Throughout 🧂Salt the pasta water generously, taste and adjust after adding cream, then finish with fresh cracked pepper just before serving—building flavor in layers ensures every element of the dish is perfectly balanced.
Recipe Facts
Diet at a Glance
Vegetarian
Low Sugar
My Calorie Intake
Smart Nutrition 
Nutrition Per Serving
Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Glycemic Analysis
Glycemic Index
Glycemic Load
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