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Creamy Lemon Pasta

Creamy Lemon Pasta: A Quick and Zesty Comfort Dish

Indulge in creamy lemon pasta, a quick 20-minute vegetarian-friendly dish packed with zesty flavors.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 650

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 12 oz Pappardelle Pasta Substitutes can include tagliatelle or fettuccine.
For the Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter
  • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil Can substitute with neutral oil.
  • 3 cloves Garlic, minced Adjust to taste preference.
  • 2 cups Heavy Cream Half-and-half can be used as a lighter option.
  • 1 cup Parmesan Cheese, grated Pecorino Romano can be substituted.
  • 2 Lemons Use fresh for zest and juice.
  • Salt and Pepper To taste.
  • ½ cup Pasta Water Reserve before draining pasta.

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Large Skillet
  • Colander

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Boil the Pasta: Fill a large pot with salted water and bring to a boil. Add pappardelle pasta and cook until al dente, about 8–10 minutes. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. Prepare the Sauce Base: In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and olive oil together for about 1 minute.
  3. Sauté the Garlic: Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Whisk in Cream and Lemon Juice: Remove skillet from heat, then whisk in heavy cream and lemon juice until smooth.
  5. Incorporate the Cheese: Return skillet to low heat, add grated Parmesan, stirring until melted and creamy.
  6. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Gently fold drained pasta into the sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed.
  7. Garnish and Serve: Zest one lemon over the dish, season with salt and pepper, then serve immediately.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 650kcalCarbohydrates: 75gProtein: 15gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 18gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg

Notes

To enhance flavor, consider adding seasonal vegetables such as asparagus or broccoli. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

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