Creamy Lemon Garlic Pasta Recipe

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Looking for an easy weeknight dinner that will please your entire family? This creamy lemon garlic pasta recipe is the perfect solution. With simple ingredients and a rich, flavorful lemon garlic butter sauce, this dish can be ready in just minutes. Whether you’re new to cooking or an experienced home chef, this recipe is quick, comforting, and bursting with bright lemon flavors.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This easy lemon garlic pasta recipe is a favorite for many reasons:

• Simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.
• Fresh lemon juice adds a zesty kick.
• A creamy, butter sauce that’s both rich and satisfying.
• Perfect for a quick dinner or a cozy night in with the whole family.
• Pairs well with a great side dish like garlic bread or salad.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Lemon Garlic Pasta

• 10-12 oz of your favorite pasta (we recommend angel hair pasta, bowtie or ribbon pasta for this dish).
• 3-4 cloves of fresh garlic, minced.
• Juice from 1 fresh lemon (you can also add extra lemon juice if desired).
• 1/2 stick of butter.
• 1-2 tablespoons of heavy cream.
• 1 cup of freshly grated parmesan cheese.
• Salt and black pepper to taste.
• 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning.
• Optional: Garnish with red pepper flakes, fresh parsley, or fresh basil for extra flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Lemon Garlic Pasta

Boil the Pasta

Start by selecting your preferred pasta type. While this recipe works well with a variety of pasta shapes, long pasta like angel hair pasta or ribbon pasta is ideal for capturing the flavors of the lemon garlic butter sauce. Measure out 10-12 ounces of pasta, and bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. The salt is crucial here—it helps season the pasta from the inside out, enhancing the overall flavor of the finished dish.

Once the water reaches a rolling boil, add the pasta. Cook according to the package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, but be sure to check for al dente—you want the pasta to be firm to the bite but fully cooked. This texture will hold up best when tossed with the sauce. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

While the pasta cooks, reserve about 1/2 cup of starchy pasta water. This will be added later to help emulsify the sauce, giving it that silky texture. Drain the pasta when it’s done and set it aside.

Prepare the Lemon Garlic Sauce

While the pasta is boiling, you can prepare the components of your lemon garlic butter sauce. First, mince 3-4 cloves of fresh garlic. Fresh garlic adds a more robust and aromatic flavor compared to pre-minced garlic, so it’s worth the extra step. Next, juice 1 fresh lemon and set aside the juice. You can also zest the lemon if you want to add even more bright lemon flavor.

Once the pasta is drained, return the pot to the stove over medium heat. Add half a stick of butter to the pot and allow it to melt. Be patient, as this will form the base of your sauce. Once the butter has fully melted and starts to bubble slightly, sprinkle in a pinch of salt and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning for some added depth.

Add the minced garlic to the melted butter. Stir constantly to ensure the garlic doesn’t burn, as burned garlic can create a bitter flavor. Cook for about 1-2 minutes, until the garlic is softened and fragrant. The kitchen should be filled with the warm, comforting aroma of fresh garlic at this point.

Add the Lemon and Cream

With your garlic cooked and fragrant, it’s time to introduce the fresh lemon juice. Pour the juice directly into the pot and give it a good stir to combine it with the butter and garlic. You’ll notice the sauce starting to take shape, with the lemon providing a tangy balance to the richness of the butter.

Now, it’s time to add the heavy cream. The cream is what gives this pasta its luscious, creamy sauce that clings to each strand of pasta. Pour in 1-2 tablespoons of heavy cream (depending on how rich you like your sauce) and whisk the mixture over medium-high heat. Continue whisking until the sauce is fully incorporated and begins to thicken. You want it smooth, not curdled, so keep an eye on the temperature.

For a lighter sauce, you can substitute chicken broth or even a splash of the reserved pasta water for the cream. If the sauce feels too thick, now is the time to thin it out with the starchy cooking water you saved earlier. Add it slowly, a tablespoon at a time, until you achieve the desired consistency.

Toss the Pasta

With the lemon garlic butter sauce ready, it’s time to bring everything together. Return your cooked pasta to the pot, directly into the sauce. If the pasta has cooled down while you were making the sauce, don’t worry—the heat from the sauce will warm it up.

Toss the pasta thoroughly so that each noodle is coated in the creamy sauce. This is where your dish really starts to come together. As you mix, add 1 cup of freshly grated parmesan cheese. The cheese will melt into the sauce, making it even richer and creamier. Continue stirring over low heat until the cheese has fully melted and the sauce is smooth.

If you find the sauce is too thick, feel free to add a bit more of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up. You’re aiming for a smooth, velvety sauce that clings to the pasta without being too runny.

Serve and Garnish

Your pasta is now ready to serve! For the best presentation, use tongs to swirl the pasta into bowls or onto plates. This will give you those beautiful pasta nests that look great on the plate.

Garnish the finished dish with some extra touches to really bring out the flavors. A little more grated parmesan on top adds a salty, nutty kick, while a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil adds a pop of color and freshness. For those who like a bit of heat, a dash of chili flakes or black pepper works perfectly. If you prefer a more zesty flavor, you can also add a bit of lemon zest or an extra squeeze of lemon juice for an additional burst of brightness.

Extra Tips

• Pasta Water Magic: Don’t forget that the starchy pasta water is your secret weapon. Adding a little of it at the end helps to create a silky smooth sauce that sticks to the pasta perfectly.
• Add-Ins: To make this dish heartier, you can add extras like grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or roasted vegetables like cherry tomatoes. These pair beautifully with the lemon garlic butter pasta.
• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, add a splash of water or extra cream to loosen the sauce as it may thicken when cooled.

Conclusion

This creamy lemon garlic pasta is the perfect balance of rich, buttery flavors and refreshing citrus notes, making it a delightful dish for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or a simple yet satisfying meal to impress guests, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.

With its flexible ingredients and minimal prep time, it’s ideal for busy cooks who still want to enjoy a delicious homemade meal. Serve it alongside your favorite sides or enjoy it on its own—either way, this pasta will leave everyone asking for seconds.

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