This Easy Creamy Lemon Pasta is bright and refreshing! With a luscious creamy sauce and a zesty kick from lemon, it’s perfect for a quick dinner.
I love how quickly this dish comes together. Toss in some fresh herbs, and my taste buds are happy! 🍋🍝 Who knew comfort food could be so simple?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Rigatoni is great for holding onto the creamy sauce. You can swap it for any pasta you love, like fettuccine or penne. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta options work well too!
Heavy Cream: This gives a rich texture. If you’re looking to lighten it up, try half-and-half or a plant-based cream like coconut cream. Both give you a creamy consistency!
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is best for a smooth melt. If you need a substitute, Pecorino Romano has a nice bite or nutritional yeast for a vegan option adds cheesy flavor without dairy.
Lemon: Fresh lemon juice and zest add brightness. If you have bottled lemon juice, it can work in a pinch, but fresh juice is hands down the best for flavor.
Thyme: Fresh thyme adds a lovely touch. If you can’t find it, dried thyme or even fresh basil can bring a nice twist.
How Do I Get the Creamy Sauce Just Right?
Creating that perfect creamy sauce is a key part of this dish. You want it thick but not too heavy. Here’s how to do it:
- Start by melting the butter in a skillet, then sauté the garlic just until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Add the heavy cream and let it simmer for a couple of minutes to thicken slightly.
- When you add the lemon juice and zest, stir well—this adds flavor and freshness.
- Incorporate the Parmesan gradually; it helps the sauce become creamy as it melts in.
- When combining the pasta, add the reserved pasta water a little at a time. This will help achieve your desired sauce thickness.
Remember: A little pasta water goes a long way in making your sauce silky! Enjoy your cooking!
How to Make Easy Creamy Lemon Pasta?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz rigatoni or pasta of your choice
For the Creamy Sauce:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh thyme leaves (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious creamy lemon pasta takes about 15 minutes to prepare and cook. In just a short time, you’ll be enjoying a delightful, flavorful dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s boiling, add your rigatoni or preferred pasta. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Remember to save about 1 cup of the pasta water before draining the pasta. Drain the pasta and set it aside while you make the sauce.
2. Making the Creamy Sauce:
In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic and sauté it for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
3. Combining Ingredients for Creaminess:
Next, pour the heavy cream into the skillet and stir well to combine. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 2-3 minutes. Then, add the lemon zest and lemon juice to the skillet. Gradually stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth.
4. Mixing the Pasta with the Sauce:
Now it’s time to add the cooked pasta to the sauce. Toss the pasta in the creamy mixture, adding the reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency. Make sure every piece of pasta is well coated in that delicious lemony sauce!
5. Final Seasoning and Serving:
Season your pasta with salt and pepper to taste. Serve it immediately while it’s hot and creamy. You can also garnish with additional lemon zest, some extra Parmesan cheese, and fresh thyme leaves if you’d like. Enjoy your creamy lemon pasta!
Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?
Absolutely! Feel free to use any pasta you prefer such as fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti. Just remember to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions to ensure your pasta is cooked al dente.
Can I Substitute Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk. Keep in mind that the sauce may be less creamy, so consider adding a bit more cheese to enhance the flavor!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or extra cream to loosen the sauce if needed.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Yes, you can! To make it vegan, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative, use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese, and skip the butter or replace it with a vegan butter substitute. Enjoy your creamy lemon pasta without the dairy!
