This creamy lemon pasta is bright and refreshing, perfect for a quick dinner. With just a few simple ingredients like lemon, cream, and pasta, it’s both easy and delicious!
If you’re like me, you’ll love how the zingy lemon brings everything to life. It feels fancy but comes together in a snap—ideal for busy nights when you want something special!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I recommend using rigatoni for its thick ridges that grab the creamy sauce. However, any pasta like penne or fettuccine works just as well. Gluten-free pasta is a great substitute if needed!
Heavy Cream: This gives the sauce its rich texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or even a dairy-free cream like coconut cream to keep it vegan-friendly.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds depth of flavor. For a dairy-free alternative, nutritional yeast can provide a cheesy taste. Alternatively, Pecorino Romano also makes a great substitute.
Lemon: Fresh lemon is key for that zingy flavor. If fresh isn’t available, you can use bottled lemon juice, but fresh always tastes best!
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Cream Sauce?
Creating a smooth cream sauce may seem tricky. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with butter and garlic on medium heat to avoid burning. Stir until fragrant.
- When adding the heavy cream, keep stirring gently. Let it simmer, which helps the flavors meld nicely.
- Incorporate the cheese slowly for a smooth consistency. If it gets too thick, just add a little of that reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired creaminess!
As a final tip, toss the pasta in the sauce off the heat to keep everything creamy and glossy. Enjoy your cooking!
How to Make Easy Creamy Lemon Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pasta:
- 12 oz rigatoni or your preferred pasta
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes around 20 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend about 10 minutes prepping and cooking the pasta, and 10 minutes making the creamy sauce and combining everything together!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your rigatoni and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Once cooked, remember to reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining the rest of the pasta. This extra water is great for adjusting the sauce later!
2. Prepare the Sauce:
While the pasta is cooking, grab a large pan and heat it over medium heat. Melt the unsalted butter, then add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute, just until the garlic becomes fragrant—be careful not to burn it!
3. Make it Creamy:
Next, pour the heavy cream into the pan and whisk it together with the butter and garlic. Allow this mixture to come to a gentle simmer. As it simmers, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
4. Add the Lemon Flavor:
Now it’s time to brighten things up! Add the lemon zest and lemon juice to the sauce. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your taste. Mix it all together—this is where the real magic happens!
5. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce, mixing well to coat every piece. If the sauce feels too thick, don’t sweat it! Just add a little bit of that reserved pasta water to reach your desired sauce consistency.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Plate your creamy lemon pasta immediately! Top with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley if you’re feeling fancy. It’s delicious and ready to impress!
Enjoy your homemade creamy lemon pasta with friends and family!
Can I Use Other Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While rigatoni is perfect for this creamy sauce, you can use any pasta you like, such as penne, fettuccine, or even spaghetti. Just adjust the cooking time according to the type of pasta you choose.
Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
Yes! You can substitute the heavy cream with a dairy-free cream such as coconut cream or cashew cream. For the Parmesan cheese, try using nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor or a dairy-free cheese alternative.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream or pasta water to restore the sauce’s creaminess.
How Can I Adjust the Lemon Flavor?
If you prefer a milder lemon flavor, start by adding the lemon zest and juice gradually, tasting as you go. You can always add more if you want that extra zing! For a unique twist, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat!
