Bright, tangy pasta in a silky lemon cream sauce
Creamy Lemon Pasta
Prep Time
5 min
Cook Time
15 min
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4
4 servings
Difficulty
Easy
Cost
Budget
$
Creamy Lemon Pasta
Bright, tangy pasta in a silky lemon cream sauce
★4.8(12)
A light yet luxurious pasta with a silky sauce made from lemon juice, zest, cream, and Parmesan — effortlessly elegant in under 20 minutes.
5m
Prep Time
15m
Cook Time
20m
Total Time
4
Servings
Easy
Difficulty
Budget $
Cost
Sarah Chen
(Updated )
Sometimes you want pasta that feels special without requiring a complicated recipe. This creamy lemon pasta is exactly that — just a handful of ingredients come together in less time than it takes to boil the water, yet the result tastes like something from a seaside Italian restaurant.
The brightness of fresh lemon cuts through the richness of the cream, creating a sauce that manages to be both indulgent and refreshing. It is perfect on its own, with grilled chicken or shrimp on top, or alongside a simple green salad for a complete light dinner.
Ingredients
Instructions
- 1
Cook pasta in well-salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1.5 cups pasta water before draining.
- 2
In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and lemon zest, cooking 1 minute until fragrant.
- 3
Pour in cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook 2 minutes.
- 4
Add drained pasta and lemon juice. Toss vigorously, adding pasta water as needed until a glossy sauce forms.
- 5
Remove from heat. Add Parmesan and toss until melted and incorporated. Season with salt and pepper.
- 6
Serve immediately with fresh herbs and pine nuts if desired.
Serving Suggestions
Ways to Serve This Dish
Serve with crusty artisan bread for dipping
Finish with a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil
Pair with a simple arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette
Finish with freshly grated Parmesan and a crack of black pepper
Substitutions
Heavy creamCreme fraiche
Adds extra tang that complements the lemon.
SpaghettiAngel hair or bucatini
Angel hair cooks faster; bucatini adds a fun hollow center.
ButterOlive oil
Makes it dairy-free if you also swap the cream and cheese.
Tips & Storage
Pro Tips
Use fresh lemons — bottled lemon juice does not compare.
The sauce thickens quickly so have your pasta water ready.
This is a great base for adding grilled shrimp, chicken, or asparagus.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Label with the date and recipe name.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of cream and a squeeze of lemon.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (1 plate) · 4 servings
Calories480
LowModerateHigh
A moderate-calorie serving · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet
Protein14g
Carbohydrates50g
Fat24g
Fiber2g
Sugar3g
Sodium480mg
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is this too lemony?
- It is bright but not sour. The cream and Parmesan balance the acidity beautifully.
- Can I add vegetables?
- Asparagus, peas, or artichoke hearts are all wonderful additions for a spring version.
About Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.
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