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Garlic and Lemon Pasta Recipe

4.9 from 275 reviews

This Garlic and Lemon Pasta recipe features a creamy, flavorful sauce made with roasted garlic, fresh lemon juice, and Parmesan cheese, perfectly coating your choice of pasta for a delicious and comforting meal. Simple to prepare, this dish combines the richness of heavy cream with bright citrus notes, creating a wonderful balance of flavors that’s ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Sauce Ingredients

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 bulb garlic, roasted
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Pasta

  • 1 pound pasta of your choice

Garnish

  • Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Roast the Garlic: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wrap the garlic bulb in aluminum foil and roast for about 30-35 minutes until golden and soft. Allow it to cool, then squeeze the softened cloves into a bowl.
  2. 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. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
  3. Prepare the Sauce: Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the roasted garlic and mash it into a paste with a fork. Cook for about 2 minutes to meld the flavors.
  4. Add Cream: Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Heat the mixture for 3-4 minutes, ensuring it does not boil.
  5. Include Lemon: Stir in the lemon juice and lemon zest. Season with salt and black pepper. Continue cooking for another 2 minutes to blend the flavors.
  6. Mix in Parmesan: Gradually fold in the grated Parmesan, stirring continuously until fully melted and incorporated into the sauce.
  7. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat each piece evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach desired consistency.
  8. Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately to enjoy the creamy, flavorful pasta.

Notes

  • Roasting garlic enhances its sweetness and mellows the sharpness.
  • Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor.
  • Reserve pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency for a smoother texture.
  • Parmesan cheese adds a rich, salty depth; use freshly grated if possible.
  • This recipe works well with any pasta shape, such as spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne.

Keywords: Garlic pasta, Lemon pasta, Creamy pasta, Roasted garlic sauce, Parmesan pasta, Easy Italian recipe