20-Minute Creamy Lemon Pasta
20-Minute Creamy Lemon Pasta is a quick, vibrant dish that brings the bright flavors of fresh lemons and creamy sauce to your dinner table in just 20 minutes. This delightful pasta, featuring a luscious blend of heavy cream, garlic, and Parmesan cheese, is perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings. Customize it with your favorite vegetables or proteins to suit any occasion. Impress your family and friends with this simple yet elegant recipe that’s bursting with flavor!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz spaghetti or fettuccine
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Juice and zest of 2 large lemons
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tbsp butter or olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain without rinsing.
- In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in heavy cream, bringing it to a gentle simmer. Mix in lemon juice and zest.
- Add grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until smooth.
- Combine the drained pasta with the sauce, tossing to coat thoroughly.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Add spinach or cherry tomatoes for extra nutrition. Substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter version. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days; reheat gently.