Creamy Garlic Lemon Pasta

Indulge in the delicious flavors of this easy creamy garlic lemon pasta, a dish that combines the zest of lemon with the richness of cream.

With every forkful of perfectly cooked pasta coated in a luxurious sauce, be treated with a burst of freshness of garlic and the tanginess of lemon.

Whether it's a quick weeknight dinner or a leisurely weekend feast, this dish promises to delight your taste buds and leave you craving more.

Creamy garlic lemon pasta, also known as pasta al limone, is a delightful Italian dish that combines the tangy zest of lemon with the comforting creaminess of pasta.

Despite its luxurious taste, this recipe doesn't include butter, making it a lighter option without sacrificing flavor.

Creamy lemon garlic pasta is perfect for serving as a light lunch or dinner.

Its vibrant flavors make it a great choice for warmer weather or anytime you're craving a bright and zesty dish. Pair it with a simple salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal.

As for meal prep, creamy garlic lemon pasta can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for a few days.

Simply reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or cream to revive the sauce if needed.

This makes it an excellent option for busy weekdays or lazy evenings when you want a quick and satisfying meal without much effort.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Creamy garlic lemon pasta offers a delightful blend of tangy lemon, savory garlic, and rich cream, creating a flavor explosion with every bite.
• Quick and Easy: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this dish is perfect for busy days when you need a delicious meal in no time.
• Despite its creamy texture, this recipe skips the butter, making it a lighter alternative without compromising on taste.
• Whether served as a main course or a side dish, creamy garlic lemon pasta complements a variety of proteins and vegetables, offering endless customization options.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Prepare a batch ahead of time and enjoy convenient, flavorful meals throughout the week, saving time and effort in the kitchen.

Cost To Make

Estimated cost = $5.15, or $1.28 a serve

Ingredients

Please note that below is a guide for some of the ingredients we used in the recipe. The printable recipe further down the page has the complete list of ingredients, including quantities and step-by-step instructions.

• Dried Pasta: Such as angel hair pasta, spaghetti, or fettucine.
• Vegetable Oil
• Garlic: Minced
• Stock of Choice: Such as chicken stock, vegetable stock, or water
• Heavy Whipping Cream
• Lemon: You will use the lemon rind and lemon juice.
• Parmesan Cheese: Finely grated, plus extra to garnish.
• Salt and Pepper: To Taste.

Instructions

This recipe for creamy garlic lemon pasta serves 4. The ingredient quantities can easily be adjusted to suit how many serves you need to make.

Step One: Cook the pasta according to the package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1 cup of pasta water, and set aside.

Step Two: In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to brown the garlic.

Step Three: Pour in the stock of your choice and let it simmer for a minute or two to reduce slightly.

Step Four: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy whipping cream. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.

Step Five: Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a splash of reserved pasta water to thin it out to your desired consistency.

Step Six: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet or saucepan with the sauce. Toss the pasta gently until it's evenly coated with the creamy lemon sauce.

Step Seven: Turn off heat and serve, garnished with additional grated Parmesan cheese and freshly ground black pepper if desired.

Substitutions / Variations

• To make creamy garlic lemon pasta with milk use milk instead of heavy whipping cream.
• Add sautéed spinach and mushrooms to the creamy garlic lemon pasta for an earthy twist, creating a wholesome and flavorful vegetarian option.
• Incorporate chopped sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil into the sauce for a burst of sweet and tangy flavors, perfect for a Mediterranean-inspired dish.
• Toss bite-sized pieces of seasoned, grilled chicken with the creamy garlic lemon pasta for a protein-packed variation with an extra punch of lemon pepper flavor.
• Instead of oil, you could use butter if you want to make a lemon garlic butter pasta.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with Grilled Chicken: Serve creamy garlic lemon pasta alongside tender grilled chicken breasts or thighs for a satisfying and protein-packed meal.
• Add Shrimp or Salmon: Elevate the dish by topping it with succulent shrimp or flaky salmon, adding a seafood twist that complements the citrusy flavors.
• Serve with Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables such as cherry tomatoes, asparagus, or zucchini make excellent additions to creamy garlic lemon pasta, offering a burst of color and nutrients.
• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or chives over the pasta just before serving to add a pop of freshness and visual appeal.
• Pair with a Crisp Salad: Balance the richness of the pasta with a crisp, refreshing salad dressed with a simple vinaigrette, providing contrast in both texture and flavor.

Storage

This creamy lemon pasta can be stored in an air tight container in the fridge for up to 4 to 5 days.

To reheat creamy garlic lemon pasta, gently warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of water or cream to the sauce if needed.

More Mains Recipes

• Butter Garlic Lemon Sauce For Pasta
• Chili Garlic Udon
• Butter Lemon Sauce Pasta
• Pasta With Coconut Milk