![['Close-up view of creamy lemon garlic pasta garnished with parsley.', 'Side view of a plate of spaghetti covered in creamy lemon sauce and grated Parmesan.', 'A delicious serving of creamy lemon garlic pasta with visible garlic and lemon zest.', 'Bowl of lemon garlic pasta with a rich creamy texture and fresh herbs.']](https://timetocooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/creamy-lemon-garlic-pasta_1_U1-300x300.webp)
Creamy Lemon Garlic Pasta Recipe
A quick and flavorful pasta dish with a creamy lemon garlic sauce, perfect for a bright and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz spaghetti or linguine
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Zest of 1 lemon lemon zest
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- to taste Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain, reserving 1 cup of water.
- Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat; sauté garlic for 1-2 minutes.
- Stir in lemon juice, zest, and heavy cream; simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat; add reserved water if needed for desired consistency.
- Remove from heat; stir in Parmesan, parsley, salt, and pepper. Serve immediately.
Notes
For extra flavor, garnish with additional lemon zest and Parmesan cheese.