Easy Creamy Lemon Pasta: A Refreshing and Lightning Fast Dinner
A bright, silky, and refreshing pasta dish that comes together in just 15 minutes using fresh lemons and garlic.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
12 oz linguine or spaghetti
2 large lemons (zest and juice)
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 tbsp unsalted butter
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup reserved pasta water
Fresh parsley, chopped
Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Boil pasta in salted water until al dente.
2. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water and drain the rest.
3. Melt butter in a skillet and sauté garlic until fragrant.
4. Add lemon zest and juice to the skillet.
5. Whisk in 1/2 cup of pasta water to create a light sauce.
6. Toss the pasta into the skillet until well coated.
7. Stir in Parmesan cheese and toss until creamy and silky.
8. Garnish with parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
Use gluten-free pasta for a GF version.
Add grilled shrimp or chicken for extra protein.
Store leftovers for up to 2 days; reheat with a splash of water.