I recently tried making this Creamy Lemon Garlic Pasta Recipe, and I was blown away by how simple and flavorful it turned out. The bright lemon paired with rich cream and garlic created a sauce that felt both indulgent and fresh.
I love how quickly it comes together—perfect for weeknights when I want something comforting without a long prep. Tossing the pasta in the sauce made every bite creamy and satisfying. After making it a few times, it’s officially one of my go-to pasta dishes at home.
You can also enjoy it alongside Vegetable Fajitas with Homemade Guacamole Recipe for a colorful, veggie-packed meal or pair it with Chicken Noodle Casserole with Vegetables Recipe for a comforting, family-style dinner.
Ingredients
Each ingredient plays a key role in making this pasta creamy, zesty, and balanced. Quality really matters here.
- 1 lb spaghetti or linguine – Long pasta holds the creamy sauce well; cook al dente.
- 1 tablespoon butter – Adds richness and silky texture to the sauce.
- 2 teaspoons fresh grated garlic – Freshly grated garlic is aromatic and flavorful; avoid jarred.
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes – Gives a mild kick; adjust to your spice preference.
- 1½ cups heavy cream – Creates a luscious, creamy base for the lemon sauce.
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest – Provides bright citrus flavor; zest before juicing.
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice – Fresh juice gives the perfect tangy punch.
- ½ teaspoon fresh thyme leaves – Adds subtle herbaceous depth; fresh is best.
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley, plus more for garnish – Brightens the dish visually and flavor-wise.
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese – Freshly grated cheese melts smoothly for creamy consistency.
- Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper – Adjust seasoning to taste.
Note: These ingredients serve 4 people generously.
Variations
You can easily tweak this pasta to suit your taste or dietary needs.
- Dairy-free: Replace cream with coconut milk or cashew cream and Parmesan with nutritional yeast.
- Protein boost: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy bacon for a more filling meal.
- Extra vegetables: Toss in spinach, peas, or zucchini ribbons for added color and nutrients.
- Gluten-free: Substitute with your favorite gluten-free pasta.
- Spice variations: Increase red pepper flakes or add a pinch of smoked paprika for smoky warmth.
Cooking Time
This recipe comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy nights.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Equipment You Need
Using the right tools helps make this recipe smooth and stress-free.
- Large pot – To cook pasta evenly.
- Large skillet or saucepan – For creating the creamy lemon garlic sauce.
- Microplane or grater – For fresh garlic, lemon zest, and Parmesan cheese.
- Tongs or pasta spoon – To toss pasta in the sauce without breaking noodles.
- Measuring cups & spoons – Ensures perfect balance in your sauce.
How to Make Creamy Lemon Garlic Pasta Recipe?
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook spaghetti until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining. This starchy water helps the sauce cling beautifully to the noodles.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Base
Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add grated garlic and red pepper flakes, stirring until fragrant, about 1–2 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it will taste bitter.
Step 3: Prepare the Lemon Cream Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream, then add lemon zest, lemon juice, thyme, and parsley. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil and then reduce to a simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce should thicken slightly and coat the back of a spoon.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Seasoning
Stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper. The cheese will melt into the sauce, making it rich and creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked pasta directly into the sauce and toss gently. Use reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time to achieve your desired sauce consistency. Ensure every strand is coated in the creamy, zesty sauce.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Turn off the heat and sprinkle extra chopped parsley and Parmesan over the pasta. Serve immediately for the best flavor and creamy texture.
Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better
From my experience, these tips make the pasta even more delicious:
- I always add lemon juice at low heat to prevent cream from curdling.
- I reserve pasta water; it rescues sauce if it becomes too thick.
- Toss pasta in the sauce for at least a minute for maximum flavor absorption.
- I grate Parmesan myself for smoother melting.
- I sometimes finish with a tiny knob of butter for extra gloss and richness.
How to Serve Creamy Lemon Garlic Pasta Recipe?
This pasta shines when served immediately while warm. Garnish with extra Parmesan, fresh parsley, and a light drizzle of olive oil. Pair it with grilled chicken, shrimp, or roasted vegetables. For a visually appealing dish, serve in a shallow bowl so the creamy sauce clings to every noodle.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick overview of the nutrition per serving:
- Calories: ~520 kcal
- Protein: 14 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fat: 27 g
Values may vary depending on ingredient brands and portion sizes.
Make Ahead and Storage
While this pasta is best fresh, leftovers can still be delicious.
Storing
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–5 days. Add a splash of water or cream before reheating to maintain sauce consistency.
Freezing
Cream-based sauces don’t freeze perfectly, but you can freeze the pasta for up to 1 month. Reheat slowly, stirring constantly to restore creaminess.
Reheating
Warm on the stovetop with a splash of water or cream, tossing occasionally. Microwave can work too, but stir halfway for even heating.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
This pasta quickly became a favorite in my kitchen for several reasons:
- Quick and easy: Ready in 20 minutes, perfect for busy nights.
- Bright, comforting flavor: Creamy, garlicky, and zesty at the same time.
- Highly versatile: Customize with proteins, vegetables, or dairy-free options.
- Elegant yet simple: Looks fancy but uses just a few pantry staples.
- Crowd-pleaser: Great for family dinners, date nights, or entertaining guests.
This Creamy Lemon Garlic Pasta recipe proves that you can create a restaurant-quality dish at home in under 30 minutes. Its bright flavors, creamy texture, and simplicity make it an instant favorite. 🍋🧄🍝
Creamy Lemon Garlic Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook spaghetti until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining. This starchy water helps the sauce cling beautifully to the noodles.
- Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add grated garlic and red pepper flakes, stirring until fragrant, about 1–2 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it will taste bitter.
- Pour in the heavy cream, then add lemon zest, lemon juice, thyme, and parsley. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil and then reduce to a simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce should thicken slightly and coat the back of a spoon.
- Stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper. The cheese will melt into the sauce, making it rich and creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Add the cooked pasta directly into the sauce and toss gently. Use reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time to achieve your desired sauce consistency. Ensure every strand is coated in the creamy, zesty sauce.
- Turn off the heat and sprinkle extra chopped parsley and Parmesan over the pasta. Serve immediately for the best flavor and creamy texture.
Notes
- I always add lemon juice at low heat to prevent cream from curdling.
- I reserve pasta water; it rescues sauce if it becomes too thick.
- Toss pasta in the sauce for at least a minute for maximum flavor absorption.
- I grate Parmesan myself for smoother melting.
- I sometimes finish with a tiny knob of butter for extra gloss and richness.
