Go Back

20-Minute Creamy Lemon Parmesan Pasta

A quick and enticing pasta dish featuring a creamy lemon sauce with Parmesan cheese, perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 600
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Sauce
  • 300 g Pasta (spaghetti or any preferred type) Choose your favorite type of pasta.
  • 1 cup Heavy cream Can substitute with light cream or full-fat milk.
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated Freshly grated cheese provides the best flavor.
  • 1 tbsp Lemon zest, freshly grated Use a microplane for best results.
  • 2 tbsp Lemon juice, freshly squeezed Adjust according to taste.
  • 3 cloves Garlic, minced Make sure not to burn the garlic.
  • 2 tbsp Olive oil For sautéing garlic.
  • to taste Salt Adjust according to preference.
  • to taste Black pepper Use freshly ground for the best flavor.
  • 2 tbsp Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Optional, but adds color and freshness.

Method
 

Cooking the Pasta
  1. Boil a pot of salted water and add your pasta. Cook until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Save a cup of pasta water before draining.
Preparing the Sauce
  1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, but avoid burning it.
Making it Creamy
  1. Reduce heat, then pour in the heavy cream and bring to a low simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and lemon juice until smooth. Season with salt and black pepper.
Combining Pasta and Sauce
  1. Drain the pasta and add it to the skillet with the sauce. Toss until coated. If too thick, add reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.
Serving
  1. Plate the dish and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to a month. Reheat gently on low heat, adding milk or pasta water as needed.