This Easy Creamy Lemon Pasta is the perfect quick meal! With its zesty lemon flavor and smooth, creamy sauce, it’ll make your taste buds dance with joy.
You can whip this up in no time, and it’s great for a cozy dinner or impressing friends. I love topping mine with extra cheese—because why not? 🍋🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rigatoni Pasta: This shape holds the sauce nicely, but you can easily swap it for penne or bowtie pasta. Use any pasta you have on hand to make it work!
Heavy Cream: If you’re looking for a lighter option, substitute it with half-and-half or a non-dairy cream like coconut cream. Just keep in mind that this will change the flavor slightly.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan is a classic choice. If you need a substitute, Pecorino Romano adds a sharp flavor, or nutritional yeast works for a vegan version!
Lemon Juice & Zest: Always opt for fresh lemons if possible for the best flavor. If you’re out of fresh lemons, bottled lemon juice can work, but the flavor won’t be quite as bright.
Fresh Herbs: While thyme or parsley adds a nice touch, you can also use basil or even arugula for a fresh garnish if you prefer a different herb.
How Do I Make a Creamy Sauce Without it Curdling?
To create a creamy sauce that’s smooth and delicious, follow these steps carefully:
- Start with a medium heat when sautéing garlic to avoid burning. Garlic should be fragrant but not browned.
- When you add the heavy cream, let it gently simmer for a few minutes to thicken before adding cheese.
- Stir in the cheese slowly while keeping the heat on low; this helps it melt without clumping.
- If the sauce gets too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water until it reaches the right consistency. This keeps the sauce smooth and helps it cling to the pasta.
Trust me, gentle heat and patience are your best friends here for a creamy sauce that everyone will love!
How to Make Easy Creamy Lemon Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pasta and Sauce:
- 12 ounces rigatoni pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish (Optional):
- Fresh thyme or parsley for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This creamy lemon pasta recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare and cook. It’s a quick and delicious meal that you can whip up in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the rigatoni pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. This usually takes about 10-12 minutes. After cooking, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water to use later, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Garlic:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, just until it’s fragrant but not browned. This step adds a lovely flavor to your sauce!
3. Make the Creamy Sauce:
Now it’s time to add the heavy cream to your skillet. Bring it to a gentle simmer. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Mix everything well until the cheese melts, and the sauce is nice and creamy.
4. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet with the creamy sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated. If you find the sauce is too thick, add a little of that reserved pasta water gradually until you reach the perfect consistency.
5. Season and Serve:
Give the pasta a taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Toss once more to combine. Your creamy lemon pasta is now ready to serve! Dish it out warm, and feel free to garnish with extra lemon zest and fresh herbs like thyme or parsley if you’d like. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Can I Use Another Type of Pasta?
Absolutely! While rigatoni works great, you can substitute it with any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for your chosen pasta.
What If I Don’t Have Heavy Cream?
No problem! You can use half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version. If you prefer a dairy-free option, coconut cream or a blend of non-dairy milk with a tablespoon of cornstarch can work as a substitute for a creamy texture.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover creamy lemon pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave in small increments, stirring frequently, or warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to refresh the sauce.
Can I Add Other Ingredients?
Definitely! Feel free to customize your creamy lemon pasta by adding cooked chicken, shrimp, or vegetables like spinach or peas. Just toss them in with the pasta after combining it with the sauce for a delicious twist!
