- 12 ounces (340 grams) of pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine work well)
- Salt (for boiling the pasta)
- For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter
- 3-4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Zest of 2 lemons
- Juice of 2 lemons (about 1/4 cup)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup of fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
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| lemon creamy pasta |
Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the Pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta. Make the Sauce: In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat until the butter is melted. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1-2 minutes, until fragrant but not browned. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Let the cream come to a gentle simmer. Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Stir in the lemon zest and lemon juice, and season with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Let the sauce simmer gently for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce, tossing to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency. Continue to cook the pasta in the sauce for an additional 1-2 minutes, allowing the pasta to absorb some of the sauce.
Remove the skillet from the heat and taste the lemon Creamy Pasta, adjusting the seasoning if necessary. Transfer the creamy lemon pasta to serving plates. Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley, if desired. Serve immediately, with extra grated Parmesan cheese on the side.
Use freshly squeezed lemon juice and freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor. The pasta water helps to thicken the sauce and helps it cling to the pasta, so don't skip this step. You can add some cooked chicken, shrimp, or vegetables (such as spinach or asparagus) to make the dish more substantial. Enjoy your Creamy Lemon Pasta!
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