Every mother has that one dish that her kids absolutely adore, and for me, it’s the Lemon Garlic Pasta. I first made it on a rainy evening, and it quickly became our family’s top pasta request. If you’re looking for more dishes that are a hit with the little ones, check out our Old-fashioned baked Macaroni and Cheese.
Preparation Time:
35 minutes
Servings:
Enough for 4 people
Dietary Information:
Vegetarian, Dairy-Free option available
Table of Contents:
- What Makes This Recipe Special?
- Lemon Garlic Pasta Recipe
- Ingredients
- How to Make this Easy Creamy Pasta?
- Tips & Tricks
- Pairing Suggestions
- More Creamy Pasta Recipes
- Recipe FAQs
What Makes This Creamy Lemon Garlic Pasta Special?
Want a tasty pasta dish that’s super easy to make? You’re in the right place! Our Creamy Lemon Garlic Pasta is not only delicious but also quick to prepare. Here’s why you’ll love it:
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 35 minutes, this creamy pasta dish is perfect for those busy school nights or impromptu gatherings.
- Smooth and Light: Get that creamy feel without any heavy cream. It’s all thanks to the pasta and fresh ingredients.
- For Everyone: Love veggies? Or maybe chicken? You can add whatever you like to this pasta. And if you’re thinking of adding chicken, check out our simple guide on how to cook thin-sliced chicken breast for the perfect pairing!
Lemon Garlic Pasta Recipe:
Ingredients List:
For the Pasta:
- Pasta: 300g of your choice (spaghetti, linguine, or tagliatelle recommended)
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons of the best quality you can find
- Salt, to taste
For the Sauce:
- Lemon: Zest and juice of 2 organic lemons
- Garlic: 6 cloves, finely sliced or minced based on your preference
- Butter: 40g unsalted butter
- Parmesan Cheese: 50g, freshly grated
- Parsley: A handful, freshly chopped
- Red Chili Flakes: ½ teaspoon (optional for a spicy kick)
- Salt and Pepper: To taste
How To Make This Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta?
Time needed: 35 minutes
Alright, now that we have all our ingredients, let’s learn how to make our Creamy Lemon Garlic Pasta in just 35 minutes! Just follow these easy steps:
- Pasta Preparation:
Firstly, in a large pot, boil water with a pinch of salt. Add the pasta and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Garlic Infusion:
While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil and butter in a large pan over medium heat. Add garlic (and chili flakes if using) and sauté until golden but not burnt.
- Lemon Magic:
Then, stir in the lemon zest and juice to the pan. Add a ladle of pasta water and let it simmer.
- Combine:
Transfer the cooked pasta to the pan, adding another ½ cup of pasta water. Then, toss well to ensure every strand is coated with the lemony garlic goodness.
- Cheesy Delight:
Sprinkle in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and mix until you achieve a creamy consistency. If it’s too thick, then add a bit more pasta water.
- Finishing Touches:
Finally, stir in the chopped parsley, season with salt and pepper, and serve immediately. Garnish with more cheese, lemon zest, and also chili flakes if desired.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Lemon Garlic Pasta
Lemon Garlic Pasta blends zesty lemons with rich garlic for a taste sensation. Want to perfect this dish? Dive into our quick tips and explore more tasty treats to boost your pasta skills:
1. Choose Quality Ingredients:
- Lemons: Opt for organic or unwaxed lemons. In fact, they offer a purer, more robust flavor without the chemical aftertaste. If you’re a fan of lemon-infused dishes, you’ll also love these Lemon Blueberry Pancakes, a perfect breakfast treat.
2. Pasta Matters:
- Type: Long pasta like spaghetti or linguine works best, but feel free to experiment. For a twist, try this Lemon Pepper Pasta or the delightful Mafaldine Pasta with Zesty Pea Shoot & Meyer Lemon Pesto.
- Cooking: Always salt your pasta water. It should taste like the sea. This, indeed, ensures your pasta is flavorful from the inside out.
3. The Magic of Starchy Water:
- Don’t drain all the pasta water. Reserve a cup or two. In fact, the starchy water helps bind the sauce to the pasta, creating a creamy texture without adding cream. Speaking of creamy, elevate any dish with this Homemade Cheese Sauce.
4. Perfecting the Sauce:
- Heat Control: Garlic burns quickly. Always sauté on medium heat and watch closely. Burnt garlic can turn your sauce bitter.
- Lemon Zest: Before juicing, zest your lemons. The zest packs a ton of flavor and adds a beautiful aroma to your dish. If you’re looking for another pasta pairing, this Orecchiette with Pistachio Pesto is an Instant Pot delight you shouldn’t miss.
What to Serve with Lemon Garlic Pasta:
- Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken, prawns, or also salmon to elevate this dish.
- Veggie Delight: Incorporate green veggies like spinach, broccoli, or also roasted asparagus with parmesan for added nutrition and color.
- Drink: A chilled glass of Limoncello Spritz or also white wine complements the tangy flavors of the pasta.
- Side Dish: A simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette or garlic bread would be perfect.
More Creamy Pasta Recipes:
Hungry for more? We’ve got you covered! Here’s a quick roundup of some creamy pasta delights that are both delicious and easy to make:
- Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta.
- Pasta with Mushrooms and Peas.
- Creamy Tomato Spinach Pasta.
- Pumpkin Pasta Sauce.
Looking for more? Explore also our seafood pasta recipe, Shrimp Scampi Recipe Without Wine, and don’t miss out on our kid-friendly pasta, Cheese Tortellini with Marinara Sauce. Happy cooking!
FAQs on Lemon Garlic Pasta
For a vegan version, you can skip the butter and use a vegan butter substitute or just stick to olive oil. Instead of Parmesan cheese, use a vegan cheese alternative or nutritional yeast to get that cheesy flavor.
Certainly! While parsley is the primary herb in this recipe, you can also add basil, chives, or even a sprinkle of thyme for a different flavor profile.
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, it’s best enjoyed fresh. When reheating, you might want to add a splash of water or olive oil to bring back the creaminess.
