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Creamy Lemon Pasta

Creamy Lemon Pasta That Brightens Your Dinner in Minutes

This Creamy Lemon Pasta is a quick, satisfying dinner option ready in under 15 minutes, perfect for a weeknight meal.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 ounces Fresh Pasta
For the Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Butter Can substitute with margarine for dairy-free option.
  • 2 tablespoons Flour Cornstarch works well for gluten-free.
  • 1 cup Chicken Broth Use vegetable broth for vegetarian option.
  • ½ cup Heavy Whipping Cream Half-and-half can be used for a lighter alternative.
  • 1 whole Lemon (zested and juiced) Opt for Meyer lemons for a sweeter note.
  • ½ teaspoon Freshly Cracked Black Pepper Use white pepper for milder flavor.
  • ½ cup Parmesan Reggiano Cheese Pecorino Romano is a delicious alternative.
For Serving
  • 2 tablespoons Parsley Chopped fresh.
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon Zest For sprinkling on top.

Equipment

  • Pot
  • Skillet

Method
 

Preparation Steps
  1. Fill a large pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt, and bring it to a rolling boil over high heat.
  2. Once boiling, add fresh pasta and cook according to package instructions (2-4 minutes) until al dente.
  3. In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat, then whisk in flour to create a roux.
  4. Gradually pour in chicken broth, whisking continuously for 3-4 minutes until sauce thickens.
  5. Lower heat and stir in heavy whipping cream and lemon zest/juice. Simmer for 2 minutes.
  6. Drain pasta, reserving a cup of pasta water. Toss pasta in the skillet with sauce until well coated.
  7. Transfer to serving plates, garnish with Parmesan, lemon zest, pepper, and parsley before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 15gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Aim for al dente pasta and warm the sauce when adding lemon juice to avoid curdling. Reserve pasta water to achieve a creamy consistency.

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