Creamy Lemon Pasta (Creamy Pasta al Limone)
If you're craving something bright, cozy and comforting, this creamy lemon pasta is your answer. It’s the kind of dish that feels fancy but takes minimal effort - just a handful of pantry staples, fresh lemons and a little time on the stove. Each twirl of pasta is coated in a silky, parmesan-kissed sauce with a citrusy punch that wakes up your taste buds. Whether you're serving it for a relaxed weeknight dinner or a sun-drenched weekend lunch, this lemony pasta is guaranteed to impress without the stress.
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 614kcal
Equipment
Ingredients
- 16 ounces pasta
- 1 ½ cup reserved pasta water
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 medium shallot minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest about 1 lemon
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 ½ cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup lemon juice about 1 lemon
- salt to taste
- freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta until it's a few minutes shy of al dente. Reserve 1 ½ cup pasta water before draining.
- Start the sauce. In a large skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped shallot and sauté until soft and translucent, about 3 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and lemon zest and cook for 1 more minute, until fragrant.
- Finish the sauce. Lower the heat and add the lemon juice and heavy cream. Simmer gently for 3 - 4 minutes, stirring often. Add in 1 cup of pasta water and stir in parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Simmer for another 2 - 3 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Toss the pasta into the sauce. Add the pasta into the sauce and toss until fully coated and glossy, adding more pasta water if desired and cooking until the pasta is al dente. Serve immediately with extra parmesan cheese.
Notes
Storing and Reheating
- Storing. Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheating. This pasta is best warmed gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream, milk or pasta water. If reheating in the microwave, make sure to do so in 15 second increments, stirring often.
- Zest your lemon before juicing - it’s much easier!
- Use freshly grated parmesan for the smoothest sauce.
- Adjust lemon juice to taste if you like it extra tangy.
Nutrition
Serving: 1 serving | Calories: 614kcal | Carbohydrates: 60g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 34g | Saturated Fat: 19g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 86mg | Sodium: 222mg | Potassium: 268mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 1090IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 210mg | Iron: 1mg
Tried this recipe?Mention @AFabulousBite or tag #AFabulousBite!
