This Easy Creamy Lemon Pasta is bright and zesty, perfect for a quick dinner! With just a handful of ingredients like pasta, cream, and fresh lemon, it’s ready in no time.
I love how the creamy sauce pairs with the lemon, making it feel fancy yet super simple. Plus, it’s a great way to impress without breaking a sweat—your dinner guests will love it!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Rigatoni works great due to its ridges that hold onto the sauce, but feel free to use any pasta you like—penne or spaghetti would work well too!
Heavy Cream: If you’re looking for a lighter option, use half-and-half or even whole milk, though it might not be as creamy.
Parmesan Cheese: While Parmesan adds a lovely flavor, you can substitute it with Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option!
Lemon: Fresh lemon juice and zest really brighten the dish. If you don’t have fresh lemons, lemon juice from a bottle will do, but use less since it’s more concentrated.
Butter: I prefer unsalted butter to control the saltiness, but if you’re in a pinch, salted butter works just fine.
How Do You Create a Creamy Sauce Without It Curdling?
Creating a smooth, creamy sauce is key to this dish. Here’s how to do it without worry:
- Keep the heat on low when adding the cream to prevent it from boiling, which can cause curdling.
- Whisk the sauce well after adding cheese to ensure it melts evenly.
- If the sauce thickens too much, use the reserved pasta water to adjust its consistency.
These tips will help you achieve a silky, luscious sauce every time!
Easy Creamy Lemon Pasta
Ingredients
- 12 oz rigatoni or your favorite pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
- 1 lemon (zest and juice)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes around 10 minutes of prep time and about 10 minutes of cooking time, totaling about 20 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick yet delicious dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add in your pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture, usually around 8-10 minutes. Remember to reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining it to keep some flavorful liquid for your sauce.
2. Sauté the Garlic
In the meantime, grab a large skillet and place it over medium heat. Melt the unsalted butter, then add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute, just until the garlic is fragrant but make sure it doesn’t brown as it can turn bitter.
3. Make the Creamy Sauce
Once the garlic is ready, lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream. Stir it gently to combine it with the melted butter and garlic, letting it warm for about 2-3 minutes. This will create a nice creamy base for your sauce.
4. Add Lemon and Cheese
Mix in the lemon zest and lemon juice, followed by the grated Parmesan cheese. Whisk everything together until the cheese has melted and the sauce is nice and smooth.
5. Season the Sauce
Now it’s time to taste! Add salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until you achieve the desired consistency.
6. Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the drained pasta into the skillet with the creamy lemon sauce, tossing everything until all the pasta is well coated. You want every bite to be deliciously flavored!
7. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve the creamy lemon pasta into bowls and top with additional Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley if you like. Dig in and enjoy this quick and classy meal!
Enjoy your bright, creamy lemon pasta ready in under 20 minutes—perfect for a quick, elegant dinner!
FAQ for Easy Creamy Lemon Pasta
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While rigatoni is great for holding onto the creamy sauce, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce may not be as rich. For a non-dairy alternative, try coconut cream or a plant-based heavy cream substitute!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to bring back the creaminess and avoid dryness.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Yes! To make it vegan, use a plant-based cream, skip the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative, and replace the butter with olive oil or vegan butter. The lemon will still provide that great flavor!
