Weeknight favorite

Creamy Lemon Garlic Pasta

Silky, bright, and deeply comforting. This simple pasta wraps every strand in a lemony parmesan sauce and comes together in less than half an hour.

Prep time
10 min
Cook time
15 min
Total time
25 min
Servings
4 people

Ingredients

  • 12 oz spaghetti or linguine
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 lemon, zest and juice
  • ¾ cup finely grated parmesan
  • ½ tsp freshly cracked pepper
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • Fresh parsley or basil, to finish

Instructions

  1. Boil the pastaBring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until just al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain.
  2. Build the baseWhile the pasta cooks, melt the butter in a wide skillet over medium-low heat. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring, until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Make it creamyPour in the cream, lemon zest, and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice. Simmer gently for 2–3 minutes, then reduce the heat to low.
  4. Toss and finishAdd the pasta and parmesan to the skillet. Toss vigorously, adding reserved pasta water a splash at a time until the sauce is glossy and clings to every strand.
  5. Serve right awaySeason with salt, pepper, and more lemon juice to taste. Divide among warm bowls and finish with herbs, parmesan, and a little extra zest.