This Easy Creamy Lemon Pasta is a refreshing dinner option! With bright lemon, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, it’s quick and delicious for any night of the week.
You can never go wrong with pasta, right? I love how this dish brightens up my dinner table. Just toss it all together, and you’ve got a winner. Enjoy it with a sprinkle of cheese and a smile!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rigatoni Pasta: This recipe calls for rigatoni, but feel free to use any pasta you like! Penne, farfalle, or spaghetti work well too. Just keep an eye on cooking times.
Heavy Cream: For a lower-fat option, you can use half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be less creamy. If you’re dairy-free, try coconut cream or a nut-based cream substitute.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan gives the best flavor. If you don’t have it, Pecorino Romano is a great substitute. Nutritional yeast can work for a dairy-free alternative.
Lemon: Fresh lemon is key for bright flavor! If you can’t find fresh lemon juice, bottled lemon juice will do, but keep it to a minimum as it’s more concentrated.
How Do You Make Perfectly Creamy Pasta Sauce?
Creating a creamy sauce can be tricky, but it’s all about blending the ingredients properly. Here’s how to achieve that velvety texture:
- Start by melting the butter and sautéing garlic to release its flavor; don’t rush this step!
- Add cream and simmer gently; avoid boiling or it may curdle.
- Incorporate Parmesan until fully melted for a rich texture.
- Mix in lemon zest and juice for flavor, tasting as you go.
- If the sauce is too thick, you can gradually add reserved pasta water to reach your preferred consistency.
With these tips, your sauce will be perfectly creamy and delicious! Enjoy your cooking experience!
Easy Creamy Lemon Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta (or your preferred pasta)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious lemon pasta will take about 20 minutes to prepare. In that short time, you’ll cook the pasta, make a creamy lemon sauce, and have a fantastic dinner ready to enjoy. Quick and easy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add your rigatoni pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente—perfectly tender but still firm. Remember to reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta. Set the drained pasta aside for now.
2. Prepare the Creamy Sauce:
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté it for about 1 minute, until it’s fragrant but not burned—just the right amount of golden. Then, pour in the heavy cream and gently bring it to a simmer, stirring occasionally to keep it from boiling.
3. Add the Cheese and Flavor:
Next up, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheese is fully melted and your sauce is nice and creamy. Now, add the lemon zest and fresh lemon juice into the mix, stirring well to combine everything. Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. This is where the magic happens!
4. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Now it’s time to bring everything together! Toss the cooked rigatoni into the creamy lemon sauce. If you find the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until it’s the right consistency to coat the pasta perfectly.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the lemon pasta hot, and don’t forget to garnish with extra grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley if you like! It’s a delightful dish that’s ready in no time.
Enjoy this bright and creamy lemon pasta for a quick and satisfying dinner!
FAQ for Easy Creamy Lemon Pasta
Can I Use Gluten-Free Pasta?
Absolutely! You can substitute regular pasta with gluten-free pasta. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions, as gluten-free pasta can have slightly different cooking times.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of heavy cream or a little pasta water to help revive the sauce’s creaminess.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Yes! To make this dish vegan, use a plant-based butter, dairy-free cream (like cashew or coconut cream), and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a similar flavor. Add a little more lemon zest to enhance the flavor!
What Can I Pair with This Pasta?
This creamy lemon pasta pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. Enjoy it with a light white wine for a delightful dinner experience!
