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20-Minute Restaurant-Style Creamy Lemon Pasta (No Heavy Cream Used)

A close-up shot of a mound of creamy lemon pasta tossed in a bright yellow sauce and topped with fresh chopped parsley.
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Make this bright, zesty, and comforting creamy lemon pasta in under 20 minutes. This easy weeknight pasta uses reserved starchy pasta water and Parmesan cheese to create a silky sauce without heavy cream.

Ingredients

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  • 12 ounces spaghetti or linguine
  • 1 teaspoon salt, plus more for water
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup reserved starchy pasta water
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 1 large lemon)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve at least 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. Drain the pasta.
  2. While the pasta cooks, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Do not let the garlic brown.
  3. Reduce the heat to low. Add 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water, lemon juice, and lemon zest to the skillet. Whisk briefly to combine.
  4. Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet. Toss to coat.
  5. Remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and black pepper. Toss quickly and continuously until the cheese melts and emulsifies with the liquid, creating a silky, creamy sauce that coats the noodles. Add another splash of pasta water if the sauce seems too thick.
  6. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.

Notes

  • For a richer sauce without heavy cream, use whole milk Parmesan cheese.
  • If you want to add protein, toss in cooked chicken breast or sautéed shrimp during the final mixing stage.
  • To make this a one-pot meal, cook the pasta directly in a large pot with less water, following the package directions for the liquid amount needed for absorption.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cravybite.link/creamy-lemon-pasta-recipe/