Creamy Lemon Garlic Pasta

$- 300g spaghetti or fettuccine - 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 4 cloves of garlic, finely minced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 large lemon (zest and juice) - 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - Sea salt and freshly cracked pepper, to taste - Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish) - Red pepper flakes (optional, for added heat) In this dish, the pasta is the star. I love using spaghetti or fettuccine. Both types capture the creamy sauce well. The extra virgin olive oil gives a rich flavor and helps cook the garlic. Garlic is key, adding a fragrant aroma that makes your kitchen smell amazing. Heavy cream creates that velvety texture. It balances the acidity from the lemon, which brightens the dish. Use a fresh lemon for the best zest and juice. Parmesan cheese adds depth and saltiness, enhancing every bite. Season with sea salt and cracked pepper to taste. They help bring out the flavors. For garnish, fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness. If you enjoy heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top. This simple mix of ingredients makes Creamy Lemon Garlic Pasta a true delight. For the full recipe, check out the steps in the next section. Start by filling a large pot with water. Add a good amount of salt to it. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add your spaghetti or fettuccine. Cook according to the package instructions until the pasta is al dente. This means it should be firm but not hard. After cooking, drain the pasta in a colander. Be sure to save 1 cup of the starchy water for later. In a large skillet, pour in the extra virgin olive oil. Set the heat to medium. When the oil is warm, add the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1-2 minutes. Stir often until it smells great and turns a light golden color. Be careful not to let it brown, as this can make it bitter. Next, reduce the heat to low. Add the heavy cream to the skillet. Stir gently and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes. This will help the sauce thicken slightly. Now, add the lemon zest and juice. Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy. Now it’s time to mix everything. Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss the pasta gently so every strand gets coated in the creamy sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water. This will help adjust the sauce’s consistency. Next, season the dish with sea salt and freshly cracked pepper to your taste. For some extra heat, add red pepper flakes if you like. Serve your pasta hot and garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color. Enjoy your creamy lemon garlic pasta! To cook pasta well, always use a large pot. Fill it with water and add salt. This helps the pasta taste great. Cook the pasta until it is just firm, known as al dente. This keeps it from being mushy. After cooking, drain it, but save some pasta water. This water can help adjust your sauce later. To avoid a lumpy sauce, stir gently while adding the heavy cream. Heat it slowly and do not let it boil. This keeps the cream smooth. When adding cheese, stir continuously until it melts evenly. If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to make it creamy again. For extra zest, try adding more lemon zest or juice. This brightens the dish and adds freshness. You can also mix in some herbs like basil or thyme for a new twist. If you want to experiment with cheese, try using goat cheese or ricotta. These cheeses add a unique flavor and can change the dish's texture. You could also use a bit of feta for a salty kick. Each cheese brings a different taste, so don’t be afraid to mix it up. For the full recipe, check the main section. {{image_4}} You can easily add protein to your creamy lemon garlic pasta. Grilled chicken is a great choice. It adds a nice texture and flavor. Simply slice the chicken and mix it in before serving. Shrimp is another tasty option. Cook the shrimp in the same skillet after the garlic. This gives the shrimp a nice garlic flavor too. If you want a vegetarian dish, try sautéed mushrooms. Mushrooms add a nice earthy taste. You can use any kind you like, such as cremini or shiitake. Cook them until they are golden brown and soft before adding them to the pasta. This way, you keep the dish rich and satisfying without meat. You can make this dish lighter with some easy swaps. Use Greek yogurt or cashew cream instead of heavy cream. Both options will give you a creamy texture with fewer calories. If you want a dairy-free version, cashew cream works great. Just blend soaked cashews with a little water until smooth. For those needing gluten-free options, choose gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer pasta made from rice, corn, or lentils. They cook up well and taste great with the creamy sauce. This way, everyone can enjoy this delicious meal, no matter their dietary needs. For the full recipe, check out the instructions above! To keep Creamy Lemon Garlic Pasta fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container. Place the cooled pasta in the fridge within two hours of cooking. It will stay good for about three days. For longer storage, consider freezing it. Use freezer-safe bags or containers. Squeeze out excess air before sealing for best results. The pasta can last up to three months in the freezer. When it's time to eat your leftovers, reheating them properly is key. You can use the microwave, but be careful. Heat it in short bursts of 30 seconds, stirring in between. This helps keep the pasta moist. Another option is to use a skillet. Add a splash of water or chicken broth to the pan. Heat on low, stirring gently until warm. This method helps maintain the pasta's texture. Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Here are some best practices for meal prep and storage: - Cook the pasta and sauce separately. - Store the pasta in an airtight container in the fridge. - Keep the sauce in a separate container. - When ready to eat, heat the sauce and mix it with the pasta. - You can also add a splash of pasta water to refresh the sauce. To boost the lemon flavor, follow these tips: - Use fresh lemon juice for a bright taste. - Add lemon zest to the sauce for added zing. - Grate the zest finely to mix well with the cream. - Adjust the amount based on your taste preference. This dish pairs well with a variety of sides. Consider these options: - A simple green salad with a light dressing. - Garlic bread for a crunchy addition. - Roasted vegetables for a healthy side. - Steamed asparagus or broccoli adds color and nutrition. Exploring these sides can make your meal even more delightful! Feel free to check out the Full Recipe for more details. In this blog post, we explored the heart of making creamy lemon garlic pasta. We covered ingredients, step-by-step cooking, and tips for the best results. You learned how to store your leftovers and even enhance flavors. Remember to try different proteins or pasta types for fun variations. This dish is flexible, making it great for any meal. Enjoy your cooking adventure, and have fun with flavors!$

Indulge in a delicious Creamy Lemon Garlic Pasta Delight that will elevate your dinner game! This easy recipe combines spaghetti, a rich garlic-infused cream sauce, and zesty lemon for a burst of flavor. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a special occasion, each bite is creamy and comforting.

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Ingredients

300g spaghetti or fettuccine

3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

4 cloves of garlic, finely minced

1 cup heavy cream

1 large lemon (zest and juice)

1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Sea salt and freshly cracked pepper, to taste

Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)

Red pepper flakes (optional, for added heat)

Instructions

In a large pot, bring generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it reaches al dente texture. Once cooked, drain the pasta and be sure to reserve 1 cup of starchy pasta water for later use.

In a large skillet set over medium heat, pour in the extra virgin olive oil. Once the oil is warm, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the garlic becomes fragrant and slightly golden, but avoid browning it to prevent bitterness.

Reduce the heat to low and add the heavy cream to the skillet. Stir the mixture gently and allow it to simmer lightly for about 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.

Incorporate the lemon zest and juice into the cream sauce, then sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce turns creamy and smooth.

If the sauce appears too thick for your liking, gradually add a splash of the reserved pasta water, stirring until you achieve your desired sauce consistency.

Add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing it gently in the luscious creamy sauce until each strand is evenly coated. Season the dish with sea salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste.

For those who enjoy a bit of heat, sprinkle red pepper flakes over the pasta before serving.

Serve immediately while hot, garnished with a generous amount of chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 min | 20 min | 4 servings

- Presentation Tips: To enhance the visual appeal, serve the pasta in shallow bowls or plates. Drizzle a little extra olive oil over the top, and finish with a sprinkle of additional Parmesan cheese and parsley for an elegant touch. Enjoy your delicious creamy lemon garlic pasta!