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Creamy Lemon Pasta Recipe

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3.9 from 51 reviews

This Creamy Lemon Pasta recipe is a quick and satisfying dish featuring tender spaghetti tossed in a luscious lemon-infused cream sauce. Enhanced with garlic, shallots, parmesan, and a hint of crushed red pepper flakes, this pasta offers a perfect balance of bright citrus and rich, creamy flavors, making it ideal for a comforting weeknight meal.

Ingredients

For the Pasta

  • 1 lb spaghetti

For the Sauce

  • 2 Tbsp salted butter
  • 1 small shallot, diced (about ⅓ cup)
  • 2 tsp freshly grated garlic
  • 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup white wine
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ⅓ cup shredded parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
  • ⅛ tsp nutmeg
  • Zest and juice of 1 lemon

Garnish

  • Chopped parsley

Instructions

  1. Boil the pasta: In a large pot, cook 1 lb spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve about ½ cup of the pasta water to help adjust sauce consistency later.
  2. Sauté shallot: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 Tbsp butter and add the diced shallot. Cook for 2–3 minutes until the shallot is soft and translucent, stirring occasionally.
  3. Add garlic and flour: Stir in 2 tsp freshly grated garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then add 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour and stir constantly for 1–2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste and create a roux base for the sauce.
  4. Deglaze with wine: Remove the skillet from heat and pour in ¼ cup white wine, stirring to deglaze the pan and lift any browned bits for flavor.
  5. Build the sauce: Return the skillet to medium heat and stir in 1 cup heavy cream, ⅓ cup shredded parmesan cheese, 1 tsp salt, ½ tsp black pepper, ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes, ⅛ tsp nutmeg, and the zest and juice of 1 lemon. Simmer gently, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 3–5 minutes.
  6. Combine: Add the cooked spaghetti directly into the sauce using tongs. Toss thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time if the sauce needs thinning to reach desired consistency.
  7. Garnish and serve: Transfer the creamy lemon pasta to serving plates, sprinkle with chopped parsley for a fresh touch, and serve warm immediately.

Notes

  • You can substitute white wine with chicken broth or vegetable broth if you prefer a non-alcoholic version.
  • For a lighter dish, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, though the sauce will be less rich.
  • Reserve pasta water carefully; the starch helps the sauce cling to the pasta and smooth out thickness.
  • Add more crushed red pepper flakes if you prefer a spicier kick.
  • Use freshly grated parmesan cheese for best flavor and melting quality.

Find it online: https://recipethrive.com/creamy-lemon-pasta-recipe-2/