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Creamy Lemon Pasta

Creamy Lemon Pasta: Quick Comfort with a Zesty Twist

Creamy Lemon Pasta is a quick, zesty, and rich dish perfect for weeknight dinners.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 600

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 12 ounces Fresh Pasta or dried pasta if in a pinch
For the Sauce
  • 4 tablespoons Butter or olive oil for a lighter option
  • 2 tablespoons Flour gluten-free flour can be substituted
  • 1 cup Chicken Broth or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option
  • 1 cup Heavy Whipping Cream or half-and-half for a lighter sauce
  • ½ cup Fresh Lemon Juice along with the zest of one lemon
  • 1 teaspoon Freshly Cracked Black Pepper adjust based on personal spice preference
  • 1 cup Freshly Grated Parmesan Reggiano Cheese or Pecorino Romano for a sharper twist
For Garnish
  • 1 tablespoon Extra Lemon Zest for garnishing
  • ¼ cup Additional Parmesan for garnish
  • to taste More Black Pepper

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • skillet
  • whisk

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. Carefully add your fresh pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 2-3 minutes until al dente.
  2. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour until well combined, creating a roux.
  3. Gradually pour in the chicken broth, stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 3-4 minutes.
  4. Remove the skillet from the heat and whisk in the heavy whipping cream, along with the lemon juice and zest. Return to low heat for about 1-2 minutes.
  5. Once the pasta is cooked, reserve about ½ cup of the pasta water before draining. Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss gently to coat.
  6. Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese and season with black pepper. Stir until the cheese melts.
  7. Plate the pasta and garnish with extra lemon zest, a sprinkle of Parmesan, and more black pepper.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 15gFat: 35gSaturated Fat: 20gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 750mgPotassium: 250mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Ensure to reserve pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency, achieving a silky texture. Fresh ingredients greatly enhance the flavor.

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