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Lemon Cream Spaghetti Recipe

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4 from 85 reviews

This vibrant Spaghetti with Lemon Cream Sauce is a quick and delightful pasta dish combining al dente spaghetti with a luscious, tangy lemon cream sauce. Infused with garlic and Parmesan cheese, and balanced by a touch of black pepper and fresh lemon juice, it’s perfect for a satisfying meal ready in just 20 minutes.

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 7 oz spaghetti

Sauce

  • 1 Tbsp olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/3 cup fresh Parmesan cheese, shredded
  • 3 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • Salt to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook Pasta: Cook the spaghetti to al dente according to package directions. Before draining, reserve at least ½ cup of the pasta cooking water for the sauce.
  2. Heat Oil & Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, careful not to burn.
  3. Create Cream Sauce: Reduce the heat to low, pour in the 3/4 cup heavy cream, and gently simmer until warmed through but not boiling.
  4. Add Parmesan Cheese: Stir in the shredded Parmesan cheese, whisking continuously until the cheese has fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
  5. Incorporate Pasta Water & Seasoning: Add 1/4 cup of the reserved pasta water and the black pepper into the sauce. Stir well and let the sauce thicken slightly over a couple of minutes.
  6. Mix in Lemon Juice: Pour in the fresh lemon juice and combine to infuse the sauce with a tangy brightness.
  7. Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti into the sauce and toss thoroughly to coat all strands evenly. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, letting the pasta absorb the sauce. Add more pasta water if needed to adjust consistency.
  8. Serve & Garnish: Plate the pasta, topping with extra Parmesan cheese, a sprinkle of lemon zest, and black pepper to taste. Enjoy immediately.

Notes

  • Reserve pasta water as it helps to loosen and emulsify the sauce for a creamier texture.
  • Be careful not to let the garlic burn; it should be fragrant but not browned.
  • If the sauce thickens too much, add more reserved pasta water to loosen it.
  • Fresh lemon zest can be used as garnish to enhance lemon flavor.
  • This recipe serves 2 but can be doubled easily.

Find it online: https://recipethrive.com/lemon-cream-spaghetti-recipe/