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Creamy Lemon Pasta Recipe for Perfect Elegant Dinners

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A tangy, creamy pasta dish infused with fresh lemon zest and juice, perfect for elegant dinners or casual gatherings, ready in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces spaghetti or linguine
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • Zest and juice of 2 medium lemons
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh herbs (parsley or basil) for garnish, optional

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining, then set the pasta aside.
  2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Once the butter melts, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn.
  3. Reduce heat to low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir to combine, and let it cook for about 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
  4. Add the lemon zest and juice to the skillet, stirring to incorporate. Let the sauce simmer gently for another 2-3 minutes. Taste and season with salt and pepper.
  5. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat it evenly with the creamy lemon sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water, a few tablespoons at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
  6. Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
  7. Garnish with chopped fresh herbs like parsley or basil for a pop of color and flavor.
  8. Serve immediately and enjoy your Creamy Lemon Pasta warm, with extra Parmesan on top if desired!

Notes

Use fresh lemons for the best flavor. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Grate your own Parmesan for a smoother sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: Creamy Lemon Pasta, Lemon Pasta Recipe, Elegant Dinner Recipe, Quick Pasta Recipe, Vegetarian Pasta

Find it online: https://atomicbite.com/creamy-lemon-pasta-recipe-for-perfect-elegant-dinners/