Creamy Lemon Garlic Pasta (Fast & Simple)
Bright, silky, and unapologetically comforting. This creamy lemon garlic pasta tastes like something you’d order at a cozy little restaurant, yet it comes together fast with simple ingredients and no heavy cream required!
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta (linguine, fettuccine, or spaghetti)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
- ¾ cup reserved pasta water
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 to 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- Salt
- Freshly cracked black pepper
- Optional for topping: Red pepper flakes, chopped parsley, and highly recommended extra Parmesan;)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta until al dente. Before draining, scoop out about 1 cup of pasta water.
- In a large pan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the garlic and cook gently for about 30 to 60 seconds, just until fragrant. Do not brown it.
- Add ½ cup of the reserved pasta water to the pan. Let it simmer lightly.
- Add the drained pasta directly into the pan and toss to coat.
- Lower the heat. Gradually sprinkle in the Parmesan while tossing continuously. Add small splashes of pasta water as needed until a glossy, creamy sauce forms.
- Stir in lemon zest and lemon juice. Toss again.
- Taste and adjust with salt and black pepper.
- Finish with the optional red pepper flakes, chopped parsley, extra Parmesan or a touch of lemon zest
Tips & Variations
- Add protein: grilled chicken, shrimp, or salmon slide right in.
- Extra lemony: add a touch more zest rather than juice to keep balance.
- Ultra creamy: add more Parmesan and a splash of pasta water.
- Garlic lovers: add an extra garlic clove
- Here are the interesting details on why you should never use pre-shredded cheese!
Love cozy pasta? Check out this Creamy Lemon Pasta with Crispy Bacon and this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta, this viral Marry Me Chicken, these Ultra-Crispy Oven Baked Boneless Chicken Thighs and this delightfully easy Cheesy Baked Macaroni with Beef! And if you’re in the mood for a simple one pot wonder meal?! This EPIC One Pot Lasagna dinner that’s ready in less than 27 minutes will absolutely become your new favorite busy-night dinner!
Want an easy and delicious dessert to make with this dinner? Try this viral Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding Copy Cat recipe – it’s creamy, no-bake and ALWAYS a hit!
Love garlic? We triple-dog-dare you to click here.. 😉
