Description
This Creamy Lemon Pasta Sauce is a luscious, tangy, and smooth sauce perfect for elevating your pasta dishes. Made with butter, garlic, heavy cream, fresh lemon zest and juice, Parmesan cheese, and a touch of seasoning, this Italian-inspired sauce is both rich and refreshing. It pairs wonderfully with fettuccine, linguine, or penne and can be enhanced with proteins or vegetables for a complete meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
Flavorings
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Base: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant but not browned to release the aromatic flavors without bitterness.
- Add Cream: Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer while stirring, creating a rich and smooth foundation for the sauce.
- Incorporate Lemon: Stir in the lemon zest and fresh lemon juice, cooking for 2 to 3 minutes to thicken the sauce slightly and infuse it with citrus brightness.
- Cheese Addition: Add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until it melts completely and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
- Season the Sauce: Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired. Continue to simmer gently for another 2 minutes until the sauce thickly coats the back of a spoon.
- Finish and Toss: Remove the sauce from heat and stir in freshly chopped parsley if using. Immediately toss the sauce with hot, cooked pasta and serve promptly for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- This sauce pairs beautifully with fettuccine, linguine, or penne pasta.
- For a heartier dish, add sautéed shrimp, grilled chicken, or steamed vegetables.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for optimal flavor and melting quality.
- Adjust the amount of lemon juice and zest to taste for more or less citrus brightness.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of sauce
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
