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Creamy Lemon Pasta Recipe

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4.3 from 8 reviews

A bright and creamy lemon pasta recipe that combines whole wheat spaghetti with a luscious sauce made from garlic, lemon juice, butter, and parmesan cheese, finished with fresh parsley and lemon zest for a refreshing and satisfying dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 16 ounces whole wheat spaghetti (or regular)

Sauce

  • 2 Tablespoons olive oil
  • 3-4 teaspoons minced garlic
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons fine sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1/3 cup milk (at room temperature)
  • 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter (at room temperature)
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese (about 2 ounces)
  • 1/4 cup chopped parsley
  • Zest of 1 lemon

Instructions

  1. Prepare Ingredients: Ensure all ingredients are measured and ready to use to streamline the cooking process.
  2. Boil Water: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and season generously with salt to flavor the pasta.
  3. Cook Spaghetti: Add the spaghetti to the boiling water and cook for 7-9 minutes until al dente while preparing the sauce.
  4. Heat Garlic & Red Pepper Flakes: In a large skillet over medium heat, combine olive oil, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes.
  5. Cook Until Fragrant: Stir the garlic and red pepper flakes for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and cooked through without browning.
  6. Add Salt, Pepper, Lemon Juice, & Milk: Whisk in fine sea salt, ground black pepper, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and room temperature milk. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  7. Whisk In Butter & Parmesan: Add in the unsalted butter and half of the grated parmesan cheese. Stir until melted and the sauce thickens slightly.
  8. Add Cooked Pasta: Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked pasta directly from the boiling water to the skillet with the sauce, allowing some pasta water to come along.
  9. Stir In Pasta Water: Mix in about 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta cooking water to loosen and help thicken the sauce as needed.
  10. Add Parsley, Lemon Zest, & Parmesan: On medium-low heat, gently fold in the chopped parsley, lemon zest, and the remaining parmesan cheese.
  11. Allow To Thicken: Toss everything together and let the sauce simmer until it thickens and evenly coats the pasta, then serve immediately.

Notes

  • Room temperature milk and butter help the sauce emulsify smoothly without curdling.
  • Use a slotted spoon to add pasta to the sauce, retaining some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency.
  • Whole wheat spaghetti adds extra fiber and nutrients but regular pasta can be used as preferred.
  • Adjust red pepper flakes to taste for spiciness.
  • This dish pairs well with a light green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

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