Lemon pasta sauce is easy to make and full of fresh, bright flavor. The mix of lemon, cream, and parmesan makes a tasty sauce that goes well with pasta. It comes together quickly, perfect for a simple meal any day of the week.
Why We Love This Lemon Pasta Sauce
This lemon pasta sauce stands out because it balances zest and creaminess so well. You get the sharpness of fresh lemon zest and juice, paired with the smoothness of heavy cream. The subtle garlic adds depth without overpowering, while parmesan brings a satisfying savory note. It’s simple but elegant, and the sauce clings beautifully to delicate angel hair pasta. This dish is perfect if you want a quick, flavorful meal with minimal ingredients and fuss.
Ingredients about Lemon Pasta Sauce
- 8 oz (225g) angel hair pasta (Capellini)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ lemon juice and zest
- ¼ cup heavy cream (or double cream)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup chopped parsley
How to Make Lemon Pasta Sauce Directions
Start by bringing a medium saucepan of water to a boil and add salt once it bubbles. Add the angel hair pasta and cook it following the package instructions until al dente — tender but still firm to the bite. Before draining, reserve one cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
Next, melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and lemon zest, sautéing for about 30 seconds, but be careful not to let the garlic brown. Once fragrant, stir in the heavy cream and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Season the mixture with salt and ground black pepper, cooking for about one minute to allow the flavors to blend.
Add the hot pasta directly into the skillet with the sauce. Pour in a little of the reserved pasta water and use kitchen tongs to toss everything together. This step helps to emulsify the sauce, making it silky and smooth while coating the pasta evenly. Keep tossing and add more pasta water gradually until you reach the consistency you like.
Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. Toss well and taste, adding more salt if necessary. Serve the pasta warm, optionally topped with extra parmesan and a pinch of lemon zest for an added fresh touch.
How to Serve Lemon Pasta Sauce
Serve this lemon pasta right away to enjoy its creamy texture and vibrant flavors at their best. It pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness. You can also add grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp for a more filling meal. For a simple dinner, plate it in shallow bowls and garnish with extra parmesan and fresh parsley. This dish shines when served hot and fresh, so avoid letting it sit too long.
Expert Tips: Lemon Pasta Sauce
Use fresh lemons for both zest and juice — bottled lemon juice won’t provide the same bright flavor. When cooking the garlic and lemon zest, keep the heat moderate and watch closely so the garlic doesn’t burn, as that will create bitterness. The reserved pasta water is a secret weapon; it contains starch that helps bind the sauce and pasta together perfectly. Add it slowly to avoid making the sauce too watery. For best results, use freshly grated parmesan cheese since pre-grated options often contain additives and don’t melt smoothly.
How to Store Lemon Pasta Sauce
Store leftover lemon pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, warm it gently in a skillet over low to medium heat, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce if it has thickened. This method keeps the creamy texture intact. Avoid freezing the pasta, as the sauce can separate and the noodles may become mushy upon thawing.
Variation of Lemon Pasta Sauce
You can customize this sauce by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat. Swap out angel hair pasta for fettuccine or linguine for a slightly heartier bite. To make it lighter, substitute half the heavy cream with milk or use a dairy-free cream alternative. Adding toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds on top gives a pleasant crunch. Fresh herbs like basil or thyme can be mixed with the parsley to introduce new layers of flavor. For a protein boost, toss in cooked chicken, shrimp, or white beans.
Frequently Asked Questions about Lemon Pasta Sauce
What type of pasta works best with lemon pasta sauce?
Angel hair pasta is traditional here because its thin strands hold the light sauce well. However, you can use linguine, fettuccine, or spaghetti if you prefer a thicker noodle.
Can I make this lemon pasta sauce dairy-free?
Yes, use a plant-based cream or full-fat coconut milk in place of heavy cream and opt for nutritional yeast instead of parmesan for a dairy-free version.
How do I prevent the garlic from burning?
Cook the garlic on medium heat just until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir frequently and remove from heat if it starts browning.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
The sauce is best made fresh. You can prepare the ingredients ahead but combine and toss with pasta just before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Is it okay to use bottled lemon juice?
Fresh lemon juice is preferred for its bright, natural flavor. Bottled juice tends to be less vibrant and may affect the sauce’s taste.
Lemon Pasta Sauce
Ingredients
- 8 oz angel hair pasta (Capellini)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- ½ lemon juice and zest
- ¼ cup heavy cream (or double cream)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup chopped parsley
Instructions
- Bring a medium saucepan of salted water to a boil. Add angel hair pasta and cook until al dente. Reserve one cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
- Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and lemon zest, sauté for about 30 seconds without browning the garlic.
- Stir in heavy cream and lemon juice. Season with salt and black pepper, cooking for about one minute.
- Add the hot pasta directly into the skillet with the sauce, tossing to combine. Gradually add reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached.
- Remove from heat and stir in grated parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. Adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve warm, garnished with extra parmesan and lemon zest if desired.
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