Name: Creamy Lemon Garlic Pasta Recipe
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 12 ounces pasta; 2 tablespoons olive oil – Helps sauté garlic and adds richness. Use good-quality olive oil for better flavor.; 4 garlic cloves (minced – Fresh garlic provides bold aroma and flavor. Avoid jarred garlic for best results.); 1 cup heavy cream – Creates a smooth and rich sauce. Full-fat cream prevents sauce from separating.; ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese – Freshly grated cheese melts smoothly and avoids clumping common in pre-shredded varieties.; Zest of 1 lemon – Adds fragrant citrus aroma without overpowering acidity. Always zest before juicing the lemon.; Juice of 1–2 lemons – Fresh lemon juice gives brightness and balances creamy richness. Bottled juice lacks freshness.; ½ teaspoon salt – Enhances overall flavor; adjust based on cheese saltiness.; ½ teaspoon black pepper – Adds mild warmth to balance creamy sauce.; ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional – Provides gentle heat for those who enjoy spice.); ¼ cup reserved pasta cooking water – Helps loosen and emulsify sauce so it clings to pasta perfectly.; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley – Adds freshness and color before serving.; Optional: extra Parmesan for garnish – Adds additional salty (savory finish.)

Do Share Recipe

I recently made this Creamy Lemon Garlic Pasta Recipe when I needed something quick but still comforting after a long day. I love how a few simple ingredients transform into a rich, silky sauce packed with bright lemon flavor.

When I tasted it, I was surprised how restaurant-quality it felt with so little effort. Everyone at the table kept going back for more, and there were barely leftovers.

If you enjoy simple pasta dishes that feel special without taking hours, this recipe is going to become a favorite. You can also enjoy similar fresh flavors in a light dish like Avocado Mango Salad Recipe.

Ingredients Section

This pasta uses simple ingredients, but choosing good-quality components makes a huge difference in taste and texture. For extra protein or variation, consider adding Baked Chicken Tzatziki with Rice Recipe on the side—it pairs wonderfully with creamy sauces.

• 12 ounces pasta (spaghetti or fettuccine) – Long pasta holds the creamy sauce well. Cook until al dente so it doesn’t become mushy when mixed with sauce.

• 2 tablespoons olive oil – Helps sauté garlic and adds richness. Use good-quality olive oil for better flavor.

• 4 garlic cloves, minced – Fresh garlic provides bold aroma and flavor. Avoid jarred garlic for best results.

• 1 cup heavy cream – Creates a smooth and rich sauce. Full-fat cream prevents sauce from separating.

• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese – Freshly grated cheese melts smoothly and avoids clumping common in pre-shredded varieties.

• Zest of 1 lemon – Adds fragrant citrus aroma without overpowering acidity. Always zest before juicing the lemon.

• Juice of 1–2 lemons – Fresh lemon juice gives brightness and balances creamy richness. Bottled juice lacks freshness.

• ½ teaspoon salt – Enhances overall flavor; adjust based on cheese saltiness.

• ½ teaspoon black pepper – Adds mild warmth to balance creamy sauce.

• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) – Provides gentle heat for those who enjoy spice.

• ¼ cup reserved pasta cooking water – Helps loosen and emulsify sauce so it clings to pasta perfectly.

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley – Adds freshness and color before serving.

• Optional: extra Parmesan for garnish – Adds additional salty, savory finish.

Note: These ingredient quantities yield approximately 4 generous servings.

Variations

This pasta is flexible and easy to adapt to dietary needs or personal taste.

You can replace heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream for a dairy-free version. Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or salmon for extra protein. Spinach or roasted broccoli can boost nutrition. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta works well if you need alternatives. Sun-dried tomatoes or capers also add extra depth and contrast.

Cooking Time

This pasta dish comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy evenings.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: About 30 minutes

Equipment You Need

• Large pot – Used to boil pasta evenly.
• Large skillet or sauté pan – For cooking garlic and preparing creamy sauce.
• Colander – Drains cooked pasta efficiently.
• Microplane or grater – Needed for fresh Parmesan and lemon zest.
• Tongs or pasta spoon – Helps toss pasta evenly in sauce.

How to Make Creamy Lemon Garlic Pasta Recipe?

This pasta comes together quickly, so having ingredients ready before cooking helps everything run smoothly. Cooking pasta and sauce simultaneously saves time. The final step blends everything into a creamy, bright dish perfect for immediate serving.

Cook the Pasta

Boil pasta in salted water until al dente according to package directions. Reserve some pasta cooking water before draining. Properly salted water ensures flavorful pasta.

Prepare Garlic Base

Heat olive oil in a large skillet and sauté garlic gently until fragrant. Avoid browning garlic since it becomes bitter. This step builds the flavor foundation of the sauce.

Make the Creamy Sauce

Add heavy cream to the skillet and simmer briefly to thicken slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The sauce should become smooth and velvety.

Add Lemon and Cheese

Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, and Parmesan cheese. The cheese melts and thickens sauce naturally. Adjust lemon level depending on preferred brightness.

Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add cooked pasta directly into sauce along with reserved pasta water. Toss until pasta is fully coated. Pasta water helps emulsify sauce for a silky texture.

Garnish and Serve

Finish with parsley, black pepper, and extra Parmesan. Serve immediately while creamy and hot. Garnishes add color and fresh flavor contrast.

Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better

After making this pasta several times, I’ve learned small tricks that make it even better.

• I always salt pasta water generously so noodles taste flavorful on their own.
• I add lemon juice slowly and taste as I go to avoid overpowering the sauce.
• I reserve extra pasta water since it helps fix thick sauces easily.
• I sometimes add grilled chicken or shrimp to make it a full meal.
• I like finishing the dish with extra lemon zest for brighter aroma.

How to Serve Creamy Lemon Garlic Pasta Recipe?

This pasta shines as a main dish but pairs well with simple sides. Serve with garlic bread or toasted baguette slices to soak up sauce. A fresh green salad with light vinaigrette balances richness. For presentation, top with extra Parmesan, parsley, and a light drizzle of olive oil. Lemon slices on the side make it visually appealing.

Nutritional Information

Here’s an approximate nutritional snapshot per serving.

• Calories: Around 520 calories per serving for a satisfying meal
• Protein: Approximately 16 grams depending on cheese quantity
• Carbohydrates: About 60 grams mainly from pasta
• Fat: Around 24 grams from cream and olive oil

Make Ahead and Storage

This pasta is best fresh but still stores well for leftovers.

Refrigerating

Store leftover pasta in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Sauce thickens slightly but reheats well.

Freezing

Freezing is not ideal because cream-based sauces can separate. If freezing, expect slight texture changes after reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a pan or microwave with a splash of milk or water. Stir occasionally to restore creamy consistency.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

This pasta combines simplicity and bold flavor, making it a dependable go-to meal. Here are a few reasons it becomes a favorite quickly.

• Quick weeknight solution
The entire meal comes together in about 30 minutes using pantry staples, making dinner stress-free.

• Creamy yet fresh flavor
The lemon balances richness perfectly, so the dish feels indulgent but not heavy.

• Easily customizable
You can add proteins or vegetables without changing the core recipe, making it versatile for any occasion.

• Minimal ingredients required
Most ingredients are already in the kitchen, making last-minute cooking easy and affordable.

• Restaurant-quality results at home
The silky sauce and bright flavor feel impressive enough for guests or special dinners.

This Creamy Lemon Garlic Pasta recipe proves that simple ingredients can create unforgettable meals. Once you try it, you’ll likely keep lemons and Parmesan stocked so this quick comfort dish is always within reach.

Ben Carraoli