Description
A delightful dish combining bright lemon flavors with rich cream, perfect for a weeknight meal or dinner party.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound pasta (Any shape, like spaghetti or fettuccine)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 lemons (Juiced)
- 1 lemon (Zested)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 cloves garlic (Minced)
- 3 tbsp butter
- Salt & pepper (To taste)
- Fresh basil or parsley (For garnish)
- 2 cups fresh spinach (Wilt into sauce)
- Cherry tomatoes (Halved, optional)
- Grilled chicken (Optional protein)
- Cooked shrimp (Optional protein)
- Red pepper flakes (For heat, optional)
Instructions
- Boil salted water and cook pasta according to package directions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining. Don’t rinse pasta; set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add heavy cream, lemon juice, and zest. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add drained pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat with the sauce. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time. Season with salt and pepper.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and extra Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
For extra flavor, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg