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Creamy Lemon Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe Easy Homemade Parmesan Flavor

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A quick and easy creamy lemon garlic butter pasta with Parmesan that delivers comforting, bright, and rich flavors perfect for weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (225 grams) spaghetti or linguine
  • 4 tablespoons (about 60 grams) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 large garlic cloves, minced
  • Juice of 1 large lemon (about 3 tablespoons)
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream
  • 3/4 cup (75 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Reserved pasta water (about 1 cup) for sauce consistency

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 8 ounces (225 grams) of spaghetti or linguine and cook according to package instructions until just al dente (about 8-9 minutes). Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Reserve about 1 cup (240 ml) of pasta water before draining.
  2. While pasta cooks, melt 4 tablespoons (60 grams) of unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté gently for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Lower heat to medium-low. Stir in fresh lemon juice from one large lemon (about 3 tablespoons) and 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2-3 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and sauce to thicken slightly.
  4. Remove the skillet from heat and gradually stir in 3/4 cup (75 grams) freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time if the sauce feels too thick until desired consistency is reached.
  5. Add the drained pasta directly into the skillet with the sauce. Toss thoroughly using tongs or a pasta fork to coat each strand evenly. Warm the skillet on low heat briefly if needed to help the sauce cling to the pasta.
  6. Taste and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for subtle heat if desired. Finish with 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for color and freshness.
  7. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese.

Notes

Cook garlic gently in butter without browning to avoid bitterness. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Add lemon juice after butter and garlic to prevent curdling. Toss pasta off heat to avoid overcooking and sauce separation. Reheat leftovers gently with cream or milk to restore sauce texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon garlic butter pasta, creamy pasta, Parmesan pasta, easy pasta recipe, weeknight dinner, quick pasta, comfort food

Find it online: https://flurpchef.com/creamy-lemon-garlic-butter-pasta-recipe-easy-homemade-parmesan-flavor/