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Creamy Lemon Pasta

A close-up of a bowl of creamy lemon pasta, topped with grated parmesan and lemon zest.
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A quick and easy restaurant-style creamy lemon pasta dish perfect for busy weeknights. This recipe balances bright citrus with a silky Parmesan-cream sauce.

Ingredients

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  • 12 ounces linguine
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup reserved pasta water
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional: cooked chicken or shrimp

Instructions

  1. Cook linguine according to package directions in a large pot. Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water before draining.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  3. Stir in heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and reserved pasta water. Cook, stirring, until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened.
  4. Remove skillet from heat. Stir in fresh lemon juice and lemon zest.
  5. Add drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat evenly.
  6. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  7. If desired, add cooked chicken or shrimp and toss to combine.
  8. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • For a lighter version, you can substitute Greek yogurt for half of the heavy cream.
  • Add cooked chicken or shrimp for a complete meal.
  • Adjust lemon juice and zest to your preference.

Nutrition

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