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20-Minute Silky Creamy Lemon Pasta (No Heavy Cream)

Close-up shot of spaghetti coated in a rich, creamy lemon sauce, showcasing the creamy lemon pasta texture.
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Make this restaurant-style creamy lemon pasta in under 20 minutes. This easy recipe uses pantry staples to create a bright, zesty, and velvety sauce without using heavy cream, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

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  • 12 ounces spaghetti or linguine
  • 1 tablespoon salt (for pasta water)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup reserved hot pasta water
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta according to package directions in salted boiling water until al dente. Before draining, reserve at least 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. Drain the pasta and set aside.
  2. While the pasta cooks, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Do not let the garlic brown.
  3. Reduce the heat to low. Add the lemon juice, lemon zest, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the skillet. Stir well.
  4. Add 1/2 cup of the reserved hot pasta water to the skillet and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  5. Remove the skillet from the heat. Immediately add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly.
  6. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together until the noodles are fully coated in the silky lemon sauce. Add more pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, if the sauce seems too thick.
  7. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan cheese on top.

Notes

  • For a richer sauce, substitute 2 tablespoons of the butter with cream cheese.
  • If you want to add protein, toss in cooked chicken breast during the final step.
  • Use fresh lemon juice; bottled juice changes the bright flavor profile.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookingbycarla.com/creamy-lemon-pasta-recipe-quick-easy/