Description
A creamy and zesty Lemon Garlic Pasta featuring al dente spaghetti tossed in a flavorful lemon cream sauce with garlic, red pepper flakes, and parmesan cheese. This easy stove-top pasta dish is perfect for a light yet satisfying meal, garnished with fresh basil and parsley for an added burst of freshness.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 13.5 oz package spaghetti
- Salt for pasta water (to taste)
Sauce
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons chopped fresh garlic
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¾ cup whipping cream
- ½ cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- Reserved pasta water (as needed for creaminess)
- 1 cup parmesan cheese, shredded
Garnish
- Fresh basil, chopped (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Start by boiling a large pot of salted water on the stove. When it reaches a rolling boil, add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until just al dente. Reserve half a cup of the pasta water before draining.
- Prepare Sauce Base: While the pasta cooks, chop garlic and place it in a large skillet over low heat with the olive oil. Slowly sauté the garlic for about 10 minutes without letting it brown to prevent bitterness. Add the red pepper flakes and black pepper during this process to infuse the oil.
- Add Cream and Lemon Zest: Stir in the lemon zest and whipping cream into the skillet. Continue stirring the mixture over low heat as the sauce thickens and the flavors meld together.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: When the pasta is finished cooking, turn off the heat for the sauce. Add fresh lemon juice and stir to combine. Transfer the drained pasta into the sauce and mix thoroughly to coat the noodles evenly. Add reserved pasta water, little by little, to loosen the sauce as desired for creaminess.
- Finish with Cheese and Garnish: Sprinkle the shredded parmesan cheese over the pasta and mix again until the cheese melts and integrates into the sauce. Garnish with chopped fresh basil and parsley if desired, then serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use Meyer Lemons when available for a sweeter, less acidic lemon flavor.
- Salt the pasta water well to enhance the pasta’s flavor.
- Cook garlic on LOW heat to prevent burning and bitterness.
- Ensure the pasta is tossed thoroughly in the sauce to distribute flavors evenly.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. It doesn’t freeze well.
- Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove with added water or cream to prevent dryness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1 cup)
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg
