There’s something so comforting about a creamy pasta dish, and when you add a zing of fresh lemon, it takes everything to the next level. This Creamy Lemon Pasta is the perfect balance of rich, creamy sauce with a refreshing citrus kick. It’s the kind of dish that feels indulgent but light at the same time, making it a go-to for any occasion. Whether you’re having a cozy night in or impressing guests, this pasta is guaranteed to leave everyone asking for the recipe. Trust me—you’re going to love this one!
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Why You’ll Love Creamy Lemon Pasta
This recipe is all about ease and flavor. From the first bite, you’ll feel like you’re eating something gourmet—but it’s surprisingly simple to make. Here’s why it’s going to be your new favorite:
Versatile: This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight meal or as a side to a bigger dinner. Add chicken, shrimp, or vegetables to make it your own, or enjoy it just as it is.
Budget-Friendly: Simple ingredients that you likely have in your kitchen already. No fancy shopping trips required—just a few basics to create something extraordinary.
Quick and Easy: You won’t spend all day in the kitchen. In under 30 minutes, you’ll have a delicious, comforting meal that tastes like you’ve been slaving over it for hours.
Crowd-Pleasing: The creamy, tangy combination is loved by everyone. It’s a crowd favorite that’s both sophisticated and comforting.
Ingredients
Let’s take a look at what makes this dish so irresistible:
Pasta: Any kind of pasta works here, but long noodles like spaghetti or fettuccine work especially well to hold the creamy sauce.
Heavy Cream: The base of your rich, creamy sauce. It gives the pasta that velvety texture.
Lemon: Fresh lemon zest and juice bring that citrusy burst of flavor that balances the creaminess.
Garlic: Adds a little savory depth to the sauce.
Parmesan Cheese: A little saltiness and richness, which pairs beautifully with the lemon.
Butter: For that extra richness that makes the sauce just melt in your mouth.
Olive Oil: A touch of oil to sauté the garlic and give the sauce a nice smooth finish.
Salt and Pepper: To taste, to bring all those wonderful flavors together.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s get cooking!
Cook the Pasta: Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once it’s boiling, cook your pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving about a cup of pasta water for later.
Make the Sauce: While your pasta is cooking, heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant (but be careful not to burn it!).
Add the Cream: Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine with the garlic and butter. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes until it starts to thicken slightly.
Add Lemon: Stir in the fresh lemon juice and zest. This is where all the magic happens—those citrusy notes will infuse the sauce and bring it to life!
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.
Finish with Cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt and add extra richness to the sauce.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve the pasta immediately, topped with a little more grated Parmesan and freshly cracked black pepper. You can even add a sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
How to Serve Creamy Lemon Pasta
While this pasta is perfect on its own, here are a few ideas to take it up a notch:
Grilled Chicken: Add some grilled chicken on top to make this dish heartier.
Roasted Vegetables: A side of roasted asparagus, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes pairs wonderfully with the lemony pasta.
Garlic Bread: A crusty slice of garlic bread is always a good idea when you’ve got creamy pasta on the table.
Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette balances out the richness of the pasta.
Additional Tips
Prep Ahead: You can prep the lemon zest and garlic ahead of time to make this dish even quicker on busy nights.
Add Protein: If you want to make this dish more filling, try adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or even crispy bacon.
Dietary Adjustments: If you’re looking for a dairy-free version, you can use coconut milk and vegan Parmesan cheese for a similar creamy texture.
Storage Tips: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of cream or pasta water to loosen the sauce.
Double the Batch: This recipe is easy to scale up if you’re feeding a crowd or want to have leftovers for the next day.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use a different kind of pasta?
A1: Absolutely! Any pasta you love will work. Spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne are all great options.
Q2: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A2: Yes! You can easily use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free.
Q3: Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?
A3: Yes, you can, but the sauce will be a bit lighter. If you prefer a richer, creamier texture, heavy cream is the way to go.
Q4: How can I make this dish spicier?
A4: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat. You can also sprinkle some chili powder or paprika on top when serving.
Q5: Can I make this ahead of time?
A5: While pasta is best fresh, you can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a day. Just reheat and toss with freshly cooked pasta when you’re ready.
Q6: Can I freeze this dish?
A6: The pasta is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze the sauce separately in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.
Q7: What should I do if the sauce is too thick?
A7: If the sauce is too thick, just add a bit of the reserved pasta water to thin it out. It will also help the sauce adhere to the pasta better.
Q8: Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh lemon?
A8: Fresh lemon juice is always the best option for the brightest flavor, but bottled lemon juice will work in a pinch.
Q9: How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
A9: Use coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative and vegan Parmesan to make this dish dairy-free.
Q10: Can I double this recipe?
A10: Yes! Simply double the ingredients and cook the pasta in batches if needed.
Conclusion
This Creamy Lemon Pasta is the kind of dish that’s easy to fall in love with. It’s creamy, zesty, and comforting—all in one bowl. Whether you’re whipping it up for a weeknight dinner or serving it at a dinner party, it’s sure to impress. Give it a try and enjoy a meal that’s as fresh as it is indulgent!
Print
Creamy Lemon Pasta
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Lemon Ricotta Pasta is a creamy and tangy dish with a burst of citrus from fresh lemon and a rich, cheesy texture. Simple, yet indulgent, it’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (spaghetti or fettuccine)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
Cook the pasta according to package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside. - Make the Ricotta Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, lemon juice, and olive oil. Mix until smooth and creamy. - Sauté Garlic:
In a large skillet over medium heat, add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. - Combine Pasta and Ricotta Mixture:
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the garlic, then pour the ricotta mixture over the pasta. Toss to combine, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired creaminess. - Add Fresh Herbs:
Stir in the chopped basil and parsley, and season with salt and pepper to taste. If desired, sprinkle with red pepper flakes for extra flavor. - Serve:
Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 35mg