This Creamy Lemon PastaIs it true that you don’t need butter or cream to make a creamy sauce? With just a few simple ingredients, you can make a light yet satisfying pasta dish that’s bursting with fresh lemon flavor. What is the best pasta sauce for a weeknight dinner? Is it healthy to cook in under 20 minutes?
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Lemon Pasta?
- Light and Fresh: Bright lemon flavor with a creamy texture, without the heaviness of cream or butter.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples and fresh lemons.
- Quick and Easy:Is it possible to cook a meal in 20 minutes?
- Dairy-Free: Naturally dairy-free and vegan, but still rich and creamy.
- Customizable: Add your favorite veggies, protein, or herbs for extra flavor.
Ingredients
- 12 oz (340g)What is your choice of spaghetti or pasta of choice?
- ¼ cup (60ml)Extra virgin olive oil is a good substitute for regular olive oil.
- 2 large lemons (zested and juiced)
- 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ tspSalt (plus more for pasta water)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 cup (240ml)How much pasta water should I use?
- Optional Garnish:Fresh parsley, basil, or grated Parmesan (for non-vegan option)?
Directions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- What’s the best way to drain pasta water?
Step 2: Make the Lemon Sauce
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant but not browned.
- Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, then reduce the heat to low.
Step 3: Combine the Pasta and Sauce
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat the noodles in the lemon sauce. Gradually add the pasta water, stirring constantly, until a creamy consistency forms. The starch from the pasta water will help emulsify the sauce and make it silky smooth.
Step 4: Adjust and Serve
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed—add more lemon juice, salt, or pepper to your liking.
- Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley, basil, or a sprinkle of Parmesan (if using). Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use Fresh Lemons: Freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest are key to achieving the best flavor.
- Save Pasta Water: How do you save pasta water?What is the starch in pasta water?
- Gluten-Free Option:Can you make gluten-free pasta?
- Add Protein:What are some good side dishes to serve with grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu?
- Vegan Parmesan: For a vegan version, sprinkle some nutritional yeast or vegan Parmesan on top for a cheesy flavor.
What are the most frequently asked questions on Quora
Can I make this dish ahead of time?Can you reheat leftovers with a little extra olive oil or pasta water?How can I make this recipe gluten free?What is the best gluten-free pasta recipe?What are some other vegetables to add?What are some good side dishes to serve with lemon sauce?How do I make a creamier sauce?If you want it creamier, you can blend in a tablespoon of cashew cream or coconut milk, but the starch from the pasta water already makes it creamy without dairy.What can I serve with this pasta?What is a good side dish to serve with a salad, garlic bread or roasted vegetables?
Tips and Notes
- My Tip: If you love garlic, add a few extra cloves to intensify the flavor.
- Pro Trick: For an extra citrusy punch, mix in a little grated lemon zest right before serving to preserve its bright flavor.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve this pasta with a side of crusty bread and a fresh salad for a light yet satisfying dinner.
Variations
- Lemon Basil Pasta: Add fresh basil leaves for an herbaceous twist.
- Spicy Lemon Pasta:What are some good red pepper flakes to sprinkle on top?
- Creamy Avocado Lemon Pasta: Can you make this? Blend in mashed avocado for an ultra-creamy, nutrient-packed version.
- Mushroom Pasta: Mushroom Lemon PastSauté mushrooms in olive oil before adding garlic for a savory touch.
- Lemon Spinach Pasta: What is the best way Stir in fresh spinach or kale for a healthy, veggie-packed version.
What are the most frequently asked questions on Quora
Can I make this Creamy Lemon Pasta ahead of time?Can you make this pasta ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days? Cook the pasta just before serving and combine it with the reheated sauce, adding a splash of pasta water if needed to re-emulsify. For longer storage, cook the pasta al dente, toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking, and store separately from the sauce. Reheat both before serving.What are some good substitutions for ingredients in this recipe?Can you substitute gluten-free pasta for regular pasta, using the same amount of olive oil? If you don’t have lemons, you can use bottled lemon juice, but fresh is always best for the zest and overall flavor. If you don’t have garlic, you can substitute with a pinch of garlic powder, but fresh garlic will give you the best flavor.How do I know if the pasta is cooked and the sauce is ready?The pasta is perfectly cooked when it reaches al dente, meaning it should be firm to the bite but not crunchy. If you follow the package instructions, but start checking a minute or two before the suggested time. The lemon sauce is ready when the garlic is fragrant (about 1-2 minutes) and the lemon zest has infused the olive oil. When combining the pasta and sauce, the sauce is ready when it coats the pasta and has a slightly creamy consistency.Can I scale this recipe up or double it to feed more people?Can you double or scale up this recipe? Simply double all the ingredients proportionally. When making a larger batch of sauce, you may need to use a larger skillet or even a pot to ensure all the pasta is coated evenly. Be sure to taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.What are the nutritional highlights of Creamy Lemon Pasta?This pasta dish is a good source of carbohydrates from the pasta, providing energy. Olive oil offers healthy fats, and lemons are packed with Vitamin C and antioxidants. What are the health benefits of garlic?
