Tired of wondering what to make for dinner during the week? We have the perfect solution! Get ready to meet your new go-to: a lusciously creamy lemon pasta that’s bursting with fresh, zesty flavor and, believe it or not, is ready in just 20 minutes. This quick recipe is not only incredibly easy to whip up, but it’s also sophisticated enough to impress. Say goodbye to dinner dilemmas and hello to effortless deliciousness!
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Lemon Pasta
Still need convincing? Here’s why this easy lemon pasta recipe will quickly become a staple in your meal rotation:
- Ready in 20 minutes: Seriously! From pantry to plate, this dish is perfect for those busy weeknights.
- Simple ingredients: You likely have most, if not all, of these common ingredients already in your kitchen.
- Delicious and balanced flavor: The bright tang of lemon perfectly complements the rich, creamy sauce and savory Parmesan. It’s a truly delightful creamy pasta experience.
- Perfect for a quick solo or family dinner: Easily scalable, this recipe is great whether you’re cooking for one or the whole family.
- Easy to adapt: Feel free to get creative! Toss in some grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or your favorite steamed vegetables like asparagus or peas to make it even heartier.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delightful quick lemon pasta dinner for 2-3 servings:
- 8 oz (225g) pasta of your choice (linguine, spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne work wonderfully)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (or full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free alternative, though taste will vary)
- 1/4 cup reserved pasta water (more if needed)
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- Zest of 1 large lemon
- 2-3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (adjust to taste)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Note: For the best flavor, use fresh lemon juice and zest, and good quality Parmesan cheese.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps for your pasta cremosa al limón en 20 minutos:
- Cook the Pasta (approx. 8-10 minutes): Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Just before draining, reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. Drain the pasta using a sturdy colander .
- Sauté Aromatics (approx. 2 minutes): While the pasta cooks, melt the butter in a large skillet or pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Create the Creamy Sauce (approx. 3-5 minutes): Reduce the heat to low. Whisk in the heavy cream, 1/4 cup of the reserved pasta water, and the Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened.
- Combine and Season (approx. 2 minutes): Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss well to coat every strand. Stir in the lemon zest and fresh lemon juice. If the sauce is too thick, add a little more reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Divide the creamy lemon pasta among bowls. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese (a good grater makes this easy!) and fresh chopped parsley.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Creamy Pasta
- Don’t skip the pasta water: The starchy water is liquid gold! It helps emulsify the sauce, making it extra creamy and helping it cling to the pasta.
- Grate cheese fresh: Pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can prevent it from melting smoothly. Grating your own Parmesan makes a huge difference.
- Adjust lemon to taste: Love a big citrus punch? Add a bit more lemon juice. Prefer it milder? Start with less. Taste as you go!
- Reheating (if you have leftovers!): Gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or milk to help loosen the sauce and restore its creaminess. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can make the pasta rubbery.
Enjoy!
And there you have it – a restaurant-quality creamy lemon pasta made in your own kitchen in under 20 minutes! This quick recipe is perfect for satisfying those pasta cravings without spending hours over the stove. We bet it’ll become your new favorite way to tackle a weeknight dinner. Serve it with a simple green salad or some crusty bread to soak up every last bit of that luscious sauce.
What Do You Think?
Go ahead and make this delicious Creamy Lemon Pasta! We’d love to hear how it turns out. Let us know in the comments what you thought and if you made any modifications – we’re always looking for new ideas!
If you love quick and easy dinners, why not share this recipe with your friends and family?