Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Lemon Parmesan Pasta Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian

Description

This creamy and zesty Lemon Pasta recipe features tender pappardelle pasta tossed in a luscious sauce made with butter, olive oil, garlic, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and fresh lemon zest and juice. Ready in just 20 minutes, this flavorful dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special gathering, garnished with fresh parsley for a vibrant finish.

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 1 pound pappardelle pasta
  • 1/2 cup pasta water (reserved)

Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, finely minced or grated
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup finely shredded Parmesan cheese (about 3 oz.)
  • Zest and juice of 2 lemons
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • Fresh cracked pepper, to taste

Garnish

  • Fresh chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Just before adding pasta, season the water with 2-4 tablespoons of Kosher salt. Add 1 pound of pappardelle and cook according to package directions until just al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta.
  2. Sauté Garlic: While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons butter and 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium-low heat. Add 3 cloves of finely minced garlic along with a couple pinches of salt and freshly cracked pepper. Cook the garlic for about 1 minute, stirring frequently to avoid burning and to release the flavors.
  3. Make Cream Sauce: Whisk in 2 cups of heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Reduce to medium-low heat and let it simmer gently for a few minutes until the cream thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon.
  4. Add Cheese and Lemon: Remove the pan from heat. Stir in 1 cup of finely shredded Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Continue stirring until the cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the sauce along with a splash or two of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if necessary. Cook over medium heat, stirring gently until everything is warmed through and the pasta is well coated with the sauce. Taste and adjust salt as needed.
  6. Serve and Garnish: Transfer the pasta to serving bowls or plates. Garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Enjoy immediately for best taste and texture.
  7. Share Your Feedback: If you enjoyed this recipe, please leave a 5-star rating and review to support the effort!

Notes

  • Reserving pasta water is key to achieving a silky sauce that clings to the pasta.
  • Use fresh lemons for the best bright citrus flavor in the sauce.
  • Adjust the cream thickness by simmering longer if you prefer a richer sauce.
  • Pappardelle is ideal for this recipe, but fettuccine or tagliatelle can be good substitutes.
  • Serve immediately to prevent the pasta from absorbing too much sauce and becoming dry.

Find it online: https://cookedbylina.com/lemon-parmesan-pasta-recipe/