This Lemon Garlic Pasta Recipe comes together in about 30 minutes, yes, you heard that right! It’s made all in one pot for a quick and easy weeknight dinner that your whole family will love!
Let’s Gather Our Ingredients!
Here’s what you’ll need for this delicious dish:
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter: The star ingredient that adds richness and creaminess.
- 3 garlic cloves: Fresh garlic is a must! It infuses the entire dish with that mouthwatering aroma.
- 1 lemon, juiced: Adds the perfect zing and brightness that pairs beautifully with the cream.
- 500 ml heavy cream: This is what makes it super creamy and indulgent.
- 3 tbsp parsley: Fresh or dried, it adds a pop of color and flavor.
- 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese: Because, let’s be real, everything is better with cheese!
- 300 g spaghetti: Feel free to swap with your favorite pasta.
- Salt & pepper to taste: A couple pinches of each to bring all the flavors together.
How to Make This Lemon Garlic Pasta
Prepare the Pasta (about 10 minutes)
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside, letting it rest while you whip up the creamy sauce.Cook the Garlic (about 2 minutes)
In a large skillet or saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the butter. Now comes the fun part! Add the minced garlic to the melted butter, and stir occasionally. Cook until the garlic is golden brown and smells absolutely amazing, about 2 minutes. The aroma will fill your kitchen and make you feel like a culinary superstar!Add Lemon Juice (about 1 minute)
Once your garlic is golden, it’s time to pour in that freshly squeezed lemon juice. Stir well to combine, allowing the flavors to meet and greet in the pan. It’s like an instant flavor party!Simmer with Heavy Cream (about 5 minutes)
Now, add the heavy cream to the skillet with the garlic and lemon mixture. Stir to combine, and bring it to a gentle simmer. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes or until the sauce thickens slightly. You’ll want it to coat the back of a spoon but not be too thick, so keep an eye on it!Add in the Spaghetti (about 2 minutes)
Once your sauce has thickened, add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet, along with half a cup of reserved pasta water. Using tongs or a pasta fork, gently toss the spaghetti in the creamy sauce until it’s suitably coated. This is where the magic really happens! Season with a couple pinches of salt and pepper to taste, don’t skip this step!Finish with Parsley and Parmesan (about 1 minute)
Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle chopped parsley and freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top. Toss everything gently once again to incorporate the parsley and cheese throughout the pasta. Your kitchen will smell heavenly right about now!Serve (immediate)
Transfer your Creamy Lemon Garlic Pasta to serving plates or bowls. If you like, garnish with additional parsley and Parmesan. Serve while still hot and enjoy the delightful flavor explosion in every bite!
If you loved this recipe, be sure to check out my my Tomato Garlic Pasta, my Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Pasta, or my Philly Cheesesteak Pasta!
Why This Recipe Works
Quick & Easy
Comes together in under 30 minutes! This is a lifesaver on those weeknights when you’re racing against the clock but still want to serve something warm and delicious.
One Pot
Minimal cleanup required! You only need one skillet for this entire dish, leaving you with more time to enjoy your meal instead of scrubbing pots and pans.
Budget-Friendly
Uses affordable, everyday ingredients! This dish doesn’t break the bank, making it great for families looking to save a little money while enjoying good food.
Customizable
You can use whatever ingredients you have! Got some leftover veggies? Toss them in! Don’t have spaghetti? Substitute with what you like, this recipe is super flexible!
Comfort Food
Loaded with tons of flavor! The creamy, tangy lemon sauce makes this dish a real treat. Pair it with a fresh salad or some crusty bread for the ultimate comfort meal.
How to Serve This Lemon Garlic Pasta
Serving Suggestions
- Salad: A light and fresh salad pairs beautifully with this pasta.
- Garlic Bread: Who doesn’t love that?
- Grilled Chicken or Shrimp: Add some protein for a heartier meal.
Storage
Store your leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The creamy sauce might thicken in the fridge, but a splash of milk or pasta water while reheating will get it back to its silky self!
Reheating Instructions
Reheat in the microwave or a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. Add a splash of heavy cream or chicken broth to help loosen up the sauce if necessary.
Freezer Friendly
This recipe is not ideal for freezing due to the heavy cream. It doesn’t hold up well after it’s been frozen and thawed.
Now that you’ve got this recipe in your back pocket, your weeknight meal planning just got a whole lot easier! Let me know how your family enjoys this creamy lemon garlic delight in the comments below!
Happy cooking! And for more recipes, follow us on Pinterest.
Print
Creamy Lemon Garlic Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A quick and easy one-pot creamy lemon garlic pasta recipe that comes together in 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 500 ml heavy cream
- 3 tbsp parsley, chopped
- 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 300 g spaghetti
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until golden brown, about 2 minutes.
- Add the freshly squeezed lemon juice to the skillet and stir well to combine.
- Add the heavy cream, stirring to combine, and bring to a gentle simmer for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add the cooked spaghetti and half a cup of reserved pasta water. Toss until the spaghetti is coated in the creamy sauce, and season with salt and pepper.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle with parsley and grated Parmesan cheese. Toss gently to incorporate.
- Transfer to serving plates or bowls, garnish if desired, and serve hot.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently, adding a splash of cream or pasta water if needed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 80mg