Description
This creamy and zesty Lemon Pasta combines tender pappardelle noodles with a luscious sauce made from butter, olive oil, garlic, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and fresh lemon zest and juice. The pasta is cooked al dente and tossed in a tangy, rich sauce, finished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, creating a comforting yet refreshing Italian-inspired dish ready in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 pound pappardelle pasta
- ½ cup reserved pasta water
- 2-4 tablespoons kosher salt (for pasta water)
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced or grated
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup finely shredded Parmesan cheese (about 3 oz.)
- Zest and juice of 2 lemons
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Fresh cracked pepper, to taste
Garnish
- Fresh chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add 2-4 tablespoons of kosher salt to the boiling water just before adding the pasta. Add 1 pound of pappardelle and cook according to package directions until just al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water before draining the pasta.
- Prepare the Sauce Base: While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons butter and 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium-low heat. Add 3 cloves of minced garlic, along with a couple pinches of salt and fresh cracked pepper. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring frequently, until fragrant but not browned.
- Add Cream and Simmer: Whisk in 2 cups of heavy cream and increase heat to bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Let it simmer gently over medium-low heat for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cream thickens slightly.
- Incorporate Cheese and Lemon: Remove the pan from heat. Stir in 1 cup finely shredded Parmesan cheese, the zest, and juice of 2 lemons. Continue stirring until the cheese melts completely and the sauce is smooth. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the drained pasta back into the pan along with a splash or two of the reserved pasta water. Cook over medium heat, stirring, until the pasta is warmed through and coated evenly with the sauce. Adjust seasoning with salt if needed.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately and enjoy the bright, creamy flavors!
- Optional: If you enjoyed this recipe, please leave a 5-star rating and review!
Notes
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed.
- Be careful not to overcook the garlic to avoid bitterness.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and smooth melting.
- Adjust lemon juice according to your preference for tanginess.
- This dish pairs well with a light green salad or crusty bread.
