Craving a quick, flavorful dinner with minimal cleanup? This Lemon Parmesan Pasta is your answer! Made in just one pan, it combines zesty lemon, creamy sauce, and nutty Parmesan for a dish that’s both simple and sophisticated. Ready in under 30 minutes, this Lemon Parmesan Pasta is perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy meal at home. Let’s dive into this easy, delicious recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bright lemon flavor with a rich, cheesy finish.
- One-pan magic means less dishwashing.
- Quick to make with pantry staples.
- Creamy yet light—perfect balance in every bite.
- Easily customizable with garnishes or extras.
Tools Needed
To whip up this Lemon Parmesan Pasta, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools. Missing anything? Visit Our Shop for quality gear to simplify your cooking!
- Wide skillet: Perfect for cooking pasta and sauce together (Serious Eats guide to top skillets).
- Vegetable peeler: For wide lemon strips.
- Zester: To capture that vibrant lemon zest.
- Fork: Ideal for stirring pasta without sticking.
- Knife and cutting board: For chopping garlic.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for this zesty Lemon Parmesan Pasta (serves 4):
- 2 lemons (zested and juiced, 3 wide peel strips)
- 2 tbsp butter (divided)
- 2-3 cloves garlic, chopped
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper (plus extra for garnish)
- 12 oz pasta (spaghetti or linguine works well)
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for garnish)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
Directions
Follow these steps to make your Lemon Parmesan Pasta:
- Prep Lemons: Peel 3 wide strips from one lemon (avoid pith), then zest and juice both lemons.
- Sauté Garlic: Melt 1 tbsp butter in a wide skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant and golden (about 1 minute).
- Cook Pasta: Add 3 cups water, lemon strips, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Add pasta, pressing gently to submerge as the water heats. Bring to a boil and stir with a fork for 7 minutes until nearly al dente.
- Add Cream: Stir in heavy cream and cook, stirring, for 3 more minutes until pasta is al dente.
- Finish Sauce: Turn off heat. Stir in remaining 1 tbsp butter, 3 tbsp lemon juice (adjust to taste), zest, and Parmesan. Cover and let sit 5-8 minutes to thicken.
- Serve: Dish into shallow bowls, garnish with extra pepper, zest, Parmesan, and parsley if desired.
Expert Tips for Perfect Lemon Parmesan Pasta
- Stir frequently to prevent pasta from sticking—forks work best.
- Adjust lemon juice to your taste for the perfect zing.
- Let it rest covered to meld flavors and thicken sauce.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking pasta: Stop at al dente—it finishes in the sauce.
- Skipping the rest: Thickening happens off heat.
- Too much pith: Bitter peel ruins the flavor—keep it thin.
Variations
Make this Lemon Parmesan Pasta your own with these twists:
- Add sautéed shrimp or chicken for protein.
- Toss in fresh spinach for color and nutrition.
- Swap Parmesan for Pecorino Romano for a sharper bite.
Storage and Reheating
- Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm on the stove with a splash of cream or water.
- Freezing: Not recommended—cream sauce may separate.
FAQs
- Can I use half-and-half instead of cream?
Yes, but it’ll be less rich—cream is best. - What pasta works best?
Long strands like spaghetti or linguine soak up sauce well. - Too lemony?
Start with less juice and add to taste. - Can I skip the peel strips?
Yes, but they deepen the lemon flavor. - Dairy-free option?
Try coconut cream and nutritional yeast—results vary.
Conclusion
This Lemon Parmesan Pasta is a bright, creamy dish that’s as easy as it is impressive. One pan, bold flavors, and minimal fuss make it a weeknight winner. Try it out and grab essentials at Our Shop for more one-pan wonders!
