When preparing Lemon Parmesan Pasta, you’ll use al dente pasta as your base, then create a creamy sauce with sautéed garlic, heavy cream, and freshly grated Parmesan.
The key is to achieve a velvety consistency while infusing brightness with lemon juice and zest.
Each step contributes to a balanced flavor profile.
This dish is not just a meal; it’s an experience that awaits enhancement with additional elements. Ready to explore further?
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 large pot
- 1 colander
- 1 large skillet
- 1 whisk
- 1 set measuring cups
- 1 set measuring spoons
Ingredients
- 12 ounces pasta of choice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
Cook & Prep Time
To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking Lemon Parmesan Pasta, you can create the following timeline:
- Reading and Gathering Ingredients & Tools (5 minutes)
- Read through the entire recipe to familiarize yourself with the process.
- Gather all ingredients and necessary kitchen tools: a large pot, colander, large skillet, whisk, measuring cups, and measuring spoons.
- Prep Work (5 minutes)
- Mince the garlic and chop the fresh basil.
- Grate the Parmesan cheese if not using pre-grated.
- Measure out the olive oil, heavy cream, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
- Cooking (15 minutes)
- Minute 0-10:
- Boil a large pot of salted water.
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Minute 10-12:
- Drain the pasta using a colander and set it aside.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Minute 12-13:
- Sauté the minced garlic in the olive oil until fragrant.
- Minute 13-15:
- Pour in the heavy cream and whisk it with the garlic.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese until the sauce thickens.
- Add the lemon zest and lemon juice, mixing well.
- Combining and Finishing (5 minutes)
- Minute 15-17:
- Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
- Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet with the sauce and combine thoroughly.
- Minute 17-20:
- Garnish the pasta with fresh basil before serving.
Recipe Instructions
Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta until al dente according to package instructions.
Drain the pasta using a colander and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until fragrant.
Pour in the heavy cream and whisk it with the garlic until combined.
Stir in the Parmesan cheese until the sauce thickens.
Add the lemon zest and lemon juice to the sauce and mix well.
Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet with the sauce and combine thoroughly.
Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Serving Tips
- Grilled Chicken: Add slices of grilled chicken breast for a protein boost and a satisfying meal.
- Steamed Broccoli: Pair with steamed broccoli for a nutritious and colorful addition.
- Garlic Bread: Serve with crusty garlic bread to complement the flavors and soak up the creamy sauce.
- Mixed Green Salad: A fresh mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette offers a rejuvenating contrast.
- Roasted Asparagus: Roasted asparagus spears add a touch of elegance and extra flavor to the meal.
Storage
To store Lemon Parmesan Pasta, place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days.
Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of cream or milk to refresh the sauce.
Freezing
To freeze Lemon Parmesan Pasta, allow it to cool completely.
Then, transfer it to an airtight container.
Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheat gently to maintain texture.
Reheating
To reheat Lemon Parmesan Pasta, gently warm it in a skillet over low heat with a splash of cream or milk.
Stir frequently to prevent the sauce from separating.
Final Thoughts
Lemon Parmesan Pasta is a delightful and quick dish that combines the richness of cream and Parmesan with the bright, fresh notes of lemon.
The use of fresh basil as a garnish adds an aromatic touch that elevates the overall flavor profile.
This recipe is versatile and can be adjusted to suit individual preferences, such as altering the amount of lemon juice for desired tanginess or using milk for a lighter sauce.
The simplicity of the ingredients and steps makes it an ideal choice for a weeknight dinner, while its elegance guarantees it’s special enough for entertaining guests.
Try this recipe to experience the harmonious blend of creamy, cheesy, and citrusy flavors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Add Protein Like Chicken or Shrimp to the Recipe?
Yes, you can add protein like chicken or shrimp. Sauté seasoned chicken or shrimp in olive oil before step 4. Remove, then proceed with the recipe. Reintroduce protein to the skillet in step 9, ensuring even coating.
What Type of Pasta Works Best With This Sauce?
You should choose fettuccine or linguine for this sauce. Their flat, wide surfaces allow the creamy sauce to adhere well. Cook the pasta until al dente, ensuring it holds its shape when combined with the sauce.
Is There a Dairy-Free Alternative for the Heavy Cream?
You can substitute heavy cream with a mixture of coconut cream and almond milk for a dairy-free alternative. Whisk them together until smooth, ensuring a creamy texture. Adjust the ratio for desired consistency and flavor balance.
How Can I Make This Dish Gluten-Free?
To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta. Confirm all ingredients, particularly Parmesan, are certified gluten-free. Follow the original steps carefully, substituting only where necessary, to maintain consistency and flavor integrity in your dish.
What Other Herbs Can Complement the Flavor of This Pasta?
You can enhance the flavor with fresh thyme or oregano. Chop these herbs finely and incorporate them into the sauce. Add them during the garlic sauté step to release their essential oils and elevate the dish’s aroma.
Lemon Parmesan Pasta
Equipment
- 1 Large pot
- 1 colander
- 1 large skillet
- 1 Whisk
- 1 Measuring cups 1 set
- 1 Measuring spoons 1 set
Ingredients
- 12 ounces pasta of choice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh basil chopped
Instructions
- Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta until al dente according to package instructions.
- Drain the pasta using a colander and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and whisk it with the garlic until combined.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese until the sauce thickens.
- Add the lemon zest and lemon juice to the sauce and mix well.
- Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
- Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet with the sauce and combine thoroughly.
- Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Notes
