Creamy Lemon Pasta

Ingredients

• 8 ounces (225g) linguine 8 ounces (225g) linguine
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
• 1/4 cup (60ml) fresh lemon juice 1/4 cup (60ml) fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• Zest of 1 lemon, for garnish Zest of 1 lemon, for garnish
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 480 kcal / 2009 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 32g, 19g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 40g, 3g
• Protein: 10g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Cook the linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. 2.
   In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
3. 3.
   Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. 4.
   Stir in the fresh lemon juice and grated Parmesan cheese. Continue cooking until the sauce thickens slightly.
5. 5.
   Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. 6.
   Add the cooked linguine to the skillet and toss until well coated in the sauce.
7. 7.
   Serve the creamy lemon pasta garnished with lemon zest and fresh parsley.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Linguine — Cook the linguine until al dente to ensure it has a slight bite and doesn't become mushy.
• Fresh lemon juice — Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor. Avoid using bottled lemon juice as it may lack the freshness and brightness of freshly squeezed juice.
• Parmesan cheese — Grate the Parmesan cheese just before using to maintain its freshness and enhance its flavor in the sauce.

Tips & Tricks

• For a lighter version, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a hint of heat and extra flavor.
• To make it a complete meal, add grilled chicken or shrimp to the pasta.
• Experiment with different types of pasta shapes to change the texture and presentation of the dish.
• Serve the pasta with a side of garlic bread to complement the flavors.

Serving advice

Serve the creamy lemon pasta hot, garnished with lemon zest and fresh parsley. Pair it with a side of garlic bread and a crisp green salad for a well-rounded meal.

Presentation advice

Plate the pasta neatly on individual serving plates, ensuring that the sauce coats the linguine evenly. Sprinkle the dish with lemon zest and fresh parsley for a pop of color. Serve it on vibrant dinnerware to enhance the visual appeal.