Description
Creamy lemon pasta delivers a zesty Mediterranean-inspired symphony of flavors dancing across your plate. Silky noodles enveloped in tangy sauce promise a quick, elegant dinner that delights palates with simple, fresh ingredients you’ll savor to the last bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) pasta (rigatoni or penne)
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy/whipping cream
- ⅓ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
Sauce Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ½ tablespoon flour
- 1 small clove garlic, minced
- ¼ cup (60 milliliters) chicken broth or vegetable broth
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- Zest of ½ lemon
Seasoning and Garnish:
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley (optional)
- Extra parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt, and bring to a rolling boil. Submerge the pasta and cook until it reaches a perfect al dente texture, following the package guidelines.
- While pasta cooks, create a smooth base by melting butter in a wide skillet over medium heat. Sprinkle flour evenly and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes, creating a golden roux that will thicken the sauce.
- Introduce minced garlic to the butter mixture, allowing its aromatic essence to bloom for 30 seconds. Pour in broth, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and vibrant lemon zest, letting the ingredients mingle and bubble briefly.
- Gently stream heavy cream into the skillet, whisking consistently to prevent separation. Allow the sauce to simmer and reduce, thickening to a luxurious consistency that clings beautifully to the pasta.
- Remove skillet from heat and fold in grated parmesan cheese, creating a silky, rich texture. Season with salt and cracked black pepper, tasting and adjusting to your preference.
- Drain the cooked pasta, reserving a small amount of pasta water. Transfer pasta directly into the creamy sauce, tossing thoroughly to ensure each strand is elegantly coated. If the sauce seems too dense, incorporate a splash of reserved pasta water to achieve the perfect flow.
- Plate the pasta immediately, garnishing with additional parmesan shavings and a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley. Serve piping hot, inviting diners to experience the harmonious blend of tangy and creamy flavors.
Notes
- Quickly grab fresh ingredients for the most vibrant flavor profile and silky sauce texture.
- Maintain medium-high heat while cooking to prevent sauce from burning and ensure smooth consistency.
- Reserve pasta water as a secret weapon for adjusting sauce thickness and helping ingredients bind perfectly.
- Zesting lemons before juicing maximizes citrusy essence and adds bright, aromatic undertones to the dish.
- Grate parmesan cheese fresh for superior melting quality and more intense, authentic taste compared to pre-packaged varieties.
- Serve immediately after combining pasta and sauce to preserve optimal temperature and creamy consistency.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 610
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 370 mg
- Fat: 40 g
- Saturated Fat: 24 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg