Creamy Lemon Herb Pasta

$To make this tasty dish, gather these simple ingredients: - 8 oz. fettuccine or spaghetti - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 tablespoon lemon zest - 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped - 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped - Salt and pepper to taste - Optional: extra lemon wedges for garnish These ingredients create a rich and bright flavor. The lemon adds zest, while the cream makes it smooth. To cook this dish, you will need a few key tools: - Large pot for boiling pasta - Large skillet for making the sauce - Measuring cups and spoons - Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring - Colander for draining pasta Having the right tools makes cooking easier and more fun. You can make your dish even better with these additions: - Extra lemon wedges for a fresh touch - Toasted pine nuts for crunch - Grilled chicken or shrimp for protein - Cherry tomatoes for a pop of color These options let you customize your creamy lemon herb pasta. Mix and match to find your favorite version! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. This adds flavor to the pasta. Add 8 oz. of fettuccine or spaghetti into the boiling water. Cook according to the package instructions until it is al dente. This means it is firm but not hard. Once done, drain the pasta and save 1/2 cup of the water. This water is starchy and will help the sauce later. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. When the butter is melted, add 2 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute until it smells nice. Make sure it does not brown. Next, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream, 1 tablespoon of lemon zest, and 1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice. Stir this mixture well and let it simmer for about 3 minutes. This helps the sauce thicken a bit. After that, add 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and stir until it melts. If the sauce feels too thick, add some of that reserved pasta water until it reaches the right consistency. Now it’s time to mix everything! Add the cooked pasta into the skillet with the cream sauce. Toss it well so the pasta is coated. Then, fold in 1 cup of chopped fresh spinach and 1/4 cup of chopped fresh basil. Cook this just long enough for the spinach to wilt. Finally, taste the dish and add salt and pepper as needed. Serve the creamy lemon herb pasta hot, and if you like, add extra lemon wedges for a fresh touch. Enjoy your meal! To make your sauce creamy, start with heavy cream. It has a rich flavor. When you add the Parmesan cheese, stir it in slowly. This helps it melt well. If the sauce feels too thick, use some reserved pasta water. This adds creaminess and helps blend the flavors. If you need a lighter option, try half-and-half instead of heavy cream. For a dairy-free version, use coconut milk. This gives a nice creamy texture too. If you are gluten-free, choose gluten-free pasta. These swaps keep the dish tasty and enjoyable for everyone. Fresh herbs make a big difference. I love adding basil for a sweet flavor. You can also try parsley or thyme. For a kick, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes. This adds warmth without too much heat. Always taste your sauce before serving to balance the flavors. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs and a real lemon will enhance the flavor of your creamy sauce significantly. Adjust Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter sauce, substitute half of the heavy cream with vegetable or chicken broth. Perfect Pasta Cooking: Always reserve some pasta water to help adjust the sauce consistency when combining. Flavor Variation: Add grilled chicken or shrimp for added protein, making it a more hearty meal. {{image_2}} You can easily add protein to your creamy lemon herb pasta. Chicken is a great option. Simply cook bite-sized pieces in the skillet before adding garlic. Shrimp also works well. Sauté shrimp in butter until they turn pink. Mix them in with the pasta for a filling meal. If you want a vegetarian or vegan dish, swap the heavy cream with coconut cream. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a cheesy flavor. You can also add more veggies like mushrooms or bell peppers for extra texture. These changes keep the dish creamy and tasty while fitting your diet. You can change the veggies based on the season. In spring, try adding asparagus or peas for a fresh taste. During summer, cherry tomatoes add color and sweetness. In fall, consider roasted butternut squash for a warm flavor. Winter calls for hearty greens like kale or Swiss chard. These seasonal swaps keep your dish exciting and full of flavor. After enjoying your creamy lemon herb pasta, store leftovers in an airtight container. Make sure the pasta cools first. This helps keep it fresh. Place it in the fridge if you plan to eat it within three days. To avoid sogginess, try not to mix in extra sauce before storing. When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheat them slowly. You can use a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or extra cream to keep it creamy. Stir often to heat evenly. If you're in a hurry, a microwave works too. Just cover the dish and heat in short intervals. You can freeze creamy lemon herb pasta for later. First, let it cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove as much air as you can. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. Yes, you can prepare Creamy Lemon Herb Pasta ahead of time. Cook the pasta and make the sauce. Store them separately in the fridge. Keep the pasta in a sealed container. Store the sauce in another container. When you are ready to eat, heat the sauce and mix it with the pasta. Add fresh herbs and season again for the best flavor. If you need a substitute for heavy cream, try using half-and-half. You can also mix milk with butter. Use three-quarters cup of milk with a quarter cup of melted butter. This mix gives a creamy texture. For a lighter option, use Greek yogurt or cashew cream. These alternatives change the flavor a bit but still taste great. Yes, Creamy Lemon Herb Pasta is perfect for meal prep. It stays fresh when stored correctly. You can pack it in meal prep containers. This dish is great for lunch or dinner throughout the week. Just remember to store the pasta and sauce separately. Reheat them together when you are ready to eat. It’s quick and delicious! You’ve learned how to make Creamy Lemon Herb Pasta from scratch. We covered the key ingredients, cooking methods, and even tips for personalizing your dish. Don't forget to try different proteins and veggies to make it your own. Proper storage ensures you enjoy leftovers without losing flavor. Keep these ideas in mind as you cook and experiment. Enjoy your tasty pasta, and share your creations with friends and family!$

A delicious pasta dish featuring a creamy lemon sauce with fresh herbs.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients

8 oz fettuccine or spaghetti
1 cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon lemon zest
1 4 cup fresh lemon juice
1 2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
1 4 cup fresh basil, chopped
to taste Salt and pepper
optional extra lemon wedges for garnish

Instructions

In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, but not browned.
Pour in the heavy cream, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Stir well and let it simmer for about 3 minutes to thicken slightly.
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and combined. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the creamy sauce. Then, fold in the chopped spinach and basil, cooking just until the spinach wilts.
Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
Plate the creamy lemon herb pasta while hot, garnished with additional lemon wedges if desired.

Notes

Serve with extra lemon wedges for garnish.

Keyword creamy, herb, lemon, pasta, quick meal