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dish of pasta with a fork that has pasta twirled around the prongs

Creamy Lemon Pasta

This creamy cheesy lemon pasta is my take on the classic Italian dish "Pasta al Limone”. The pasta is tossed in a creamy dreamy lemon sauce and it's a great alternative to everyday red sauce pasta.
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Course: dinner, Main Course, weeknigh dinner
Cuisine: American and Itanlian
Keyword: lemon pasta, pasta dinner
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Author: Laura Franco

Ingredients 

  • 12 oz. uncooked spaghetti
  • 4 tbsp butter
  • 1 tbsp minced garlic
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup finely grated parmesan cheese
  • zest of 1 lemon
  • 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup pasta water
  • pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon corse black peper
  • fresh lemon slices and basil for garnish

Instructions

  • Cook pasta al dente according to the package.
  • While the pasta is cooking add the butter and garlic to a skillet.
  • When the butter is melted, add in the heavy cream, lemon juice, and lemon zest, and simmer for 10 minutes.
  • Add ¼ cup of the pasta water to the lemon cream sauce and stir.
  • Add the pasta right from the water into the skillet with the cream sauce.
  • Add the red pepper flakes and pepper.
  • Toss the pasta so that it’s completely covered.
  • Add a bit more pasta water if needed.
  • Remove the pasta from the heat, and add parmesan.
  • Add more black pepper if needed.
  • Serve with lemon slices for garnish.

Notes

Krazy Kitchen Mom Tips
  • I recommend keeping the pasta whole and not breaking it in half to boil.
  • Serve this dish as a pasta dish with a side salad and bread or add chicken or fish for a more substantial meal. It’s also a tasty side dish with grilled pork chops or burgers.