Your favorite pasta is finished in a fresh lemony garlic sauce! It's an easy recipe and filled with bright, vibrant flavor. You'll have quick dinner on the table in just 20 minutes!
I've made lemon garlic pasta recipe more times than I can count! Including when my folks visited; even my Dad (who is not a pasta fan) loved it!
The flavors are bright, lemony and fresh. It's very savory and creamy enough. It's a simple pasta dish and only takes 20 make! This is a fantastic weeknight meal the whole family will love!
🗒️ Ingredients and additions
You'll only need a handful of simple ingredients. For the exact measurements, please refer to the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- spaghetti, penne, angel hair pasta or linguine pasta - really you can use any kind of pasta you have in the pantry. There's no hard/fast rule here.
- olive oil - the oil will incorporate into the sauce, use the best you have on hand.
- whipping cream, or heavy cream
- fresh lemons, you'll use the juice and zest - because the lemon is such an essential part of this dish it really needs to be fresh lemon juice.
- garlic cloves - depending on the size, you'll need 5-8 cloves.
- parmesan cheese - Romano or even cream cheese would work in this recipe.
- basil or parsley for garnish
Adding grilled shrimp or sliced chicken is a delicious addition to this recipe. The addition of a couple tablespoons of butter to the sauce makes it even more rich and creamy.
⏲️ Instructions
This is an overview of the instructions. For the complete directions just scroll down to the bottom!
- Put a large pot of salted water on the stove to boil. When boiling, drop the spaghetti in and cook to al dente. While it's cooking, add the chopped garlic, pepper and red pepper flakes to olive oil over low heat.
- Slowly sauté the garlic.
- Next, add the lemon zest and whipping cream. Stir to combine.
- When the pasta is done, remove the sauce from the heat and add the lemon juice. Transfer the cooked pasta to the lemon butter garlic sauce mixing well to combine.
- Top with shredded parmesan cheese.
- Mix the buttery lemon garlic sauce really well with the pasta adding reserved pasta water if needed. Garnish with chopped parsley or basil.
🙋♀️ FAQ's
Obviously yes because it's part of this recipe! 😋 The addition of starch will counteract potential curdling. Add the lemon juice at the end when you're adding the pasta.
Heat can cause a sauce to curdle. Be sure the garlic is cooked on low heat. you can even pull it off the heat when you add the cream. Stir well to incorporate. Using half and half (not heavy cream) may also cause the sauce to seperate.
Yes - heat about ½ cup of heavy cream until it's reduced by half and then slow whisk the curdled sauce into the reduced heavy cream.
Of all the times I've made this it's only curdled once. And you know what? We ate it anyway. It's just not as pretty, but it really didn't effect the taste.
Deb's tips
When you zest the lemon include only the yellow skin, the white pith is bitter.
This Lemon Pasta Recipe is a great 30 minute meal, quick and easy to make for weekdays, but it's also perfect for a fancy meal with company. Really all you need to go along with this meal is a great green salad and this crockpot foccacia. A perfect meal!
Storage
Refrigerate - This creamy pasta will keep 3-4 days refrigerated. Store in an airtight container. It doesn't freeze well.
Reheat in the microwave or in a pot on the stove. Adding additional water or a small amount of cream will help rehydrate the pasta so it doesn't taste dry.
Related recipes
This delicious lemon garlic pasta is one of my favorite delicious recipes to make for easy weeknight dinner, but it's also fancy enough for company! It's really a lovely meal!
- Another simple pasta recipe from the blog are Pasta Puttanesca. This is another easy meal using pantry ingredients. It's affordable and delicious!
- One of our favorite quick and easy meals is teriyaki noodles. The homemade sauce is amazing and this is so good!
Love this meal? Please be sure and comment below and leave a five-star rating! If you're on Instagram I'd love it if you tag me with #bowlmeover or @bowlmeover so I get to see your delicious plate of pasta!
Lemon Garlic Pasta
Equipment
- Food Tongs
Ingredients
- 13.5 oz package spaghetti
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons chopped fresh garlic
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- ¾ cup whipping cream
- ½ cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 cup parmesan cheese
- basil and fresh parsley for garnish if desired
- pasta water add as needed
Instructions
- Start by boiling a large pot of salted water on the stove. When it reaches a rolling boil, drop the pasta noodles in the boiling water and cook pasta according to package instructions to just al dente.
- While the pot is heating and the pasta cooks prepare the sauce. Chop the garlic and place in a large skillet over low heat with olive oil. Don't allow the garlic to brown, this will make it bitter. Add the red pepper flakes and black pepper. Slowly sauté the garlic for about 10 minutes, along with the spices.
- Next add the lemon zest and whipping cream. Continue to stir the creamy lemon sauce and the flavors will slowly combine and the sauce will begin to thicken.
- When the pasta is done, turn the heat off from the sauce. Add in the lemon juice. Stir to combine, then begin transferring the cooked noodles to the sauce. Mix the hot pasta with the lemon cream sauce. Mix well to combine. Save a cup of the pasta water and if needed, add to the pasta for creaminess.
- Top the noodles with the shredded parmesan cheese and mix again. Garnish with parsley & chopped basil.
Notes
- Use Meyer Lemons when available. They are sweeter and less acidic. If you're using regular regular lemons, you may need to reduce the amount of lemon juice.
- Salt the pasta water well.
- Cook your pasta just short of al dente.
- Cook the garlic on LOW, otherwise it will burn. You cannot hurry this process.
- Save some of the pasta cooking liquid to add to the sauce.
- Toss the pasta really well - work the sauce through the pasta to ensure it's well distributed.
- Garnish with basil and parsley.
Amy Nash says
This recipe is absolutely wonderful. It's so simple, so versatile, and just super pleasing for everybody in my household. Definitely a keeper.
Bowl Me Over says
Thanks Amy, I'm so glad you enjoyed this recipe!
Evo says
Too much lemon, not enough cheese… which u put in AFTER ur “done” w the sauce??? And too much oil, didn’t mix or thicken at all. could’ve been just me but i triple checked my measurements and instructions🤷♀️
Debra Clark says
Sorry you didn't like it Evo, but YES the cheese is added AFTERWARDS. This is a light, lemony sauce, not filled with melted cheese. As for the flavor, did you use regular lemons or Meyer lemons? It makes all the difference in the world.
Nancy says
Made this for dinner tonight. Tastes even better than it sounds!! Such balanced flavors! Thank you for sharing!
Bowl Me Over says
Hey, that's just what I wanted to hear! 😋 That is the easiest and best pasta!! Another vegetarian favorite is this meal - https://bowl-me-over.com/easy-potato-soup-meatlessmonday/ you might want to give that a try!
Susan says
Made the lemon pasta tonight and it was delicious. Will definitely be making thus recipe again.
Bowl Me Over says
That's great Susan, I'm so glad you liked it!!
Jennifer Stewart says
Such a tasty and easy dish to make! Especially with pantry staples!
Sarah J Shoup says
Good recipe!! Could easily change to make different sauces. I found it a bit heavy on the lemon flavor so next time I'll reduce the amount I use but over all tasty.
Bowl Me Over says
Sounds great Sarah - glad this is a jump off for many more meals. Glad you enjoyed the recipe!
Debi says
We had this last night for dinner, and it was not only easy, but delicious. I almost always have lemons on the tree, so this is an easy way for me to get dinner on the table!
Mary Lee says
I used 2 lemons juiced, which was 1/4 cup, half the lemon juice called for and the zest of one lemon and the lemon still overwhelmed it.
Wish we liked it, because it sounds delish.
Bowl Me Over says
I'm sorry it didn't resonate for your family. I hope you find other recipes on the blog to enjoy. Best wishes Marye Lee!
Debi says
I have lots of meyer lemons on the tree right now, and this was a great way to use them. I added a bunch of veggies - artichokes, leeks, and mushrooms. Delicious!
Kim says
Added steamed shrimp to make it a complete meal, fresh sliced tomatoes on the side. A salad would go good with it.
Bowl Me Over says
That sounds perfect Kim and delicious!!!
Susan says
Great recipe,used as a base to add into lightly steamed leeks,courgette and cabbage. A winner all.round.
Bowl Me Over says
Thanks Susan!
Liza says
I have to make this for dinner!! It's so good! My pasta-loving husband will be impressed for sure! Thanks!
Bowl Me Over says
Enjoy Liza, it's an easy meal that everyone loves!
Healing Tomato says
I made this for dinner tonight and it was the best pasta recipe ever! My kitchen has a heavenly aroma of lemon zest and garlic. The pasta was so creamy and delicious. I used whole wheat pasta and it tasted just as good. You are very talented and you know how to make a good pasta recipe. 🙂
Bowl Me Over says
Thank you so much!!! We LOVE this pasta dish, now you've inspired me to make it again 🙂 I'm so glad you enjoyed it!!!
Lindsay De La Cerda says
I just made this for dinner!!
Bowl Me Over says
Wonderful - Lindsay, what did you think? I hope you & your family really enjoyed it!
Ilka says
This is exactly how I love pasta - light, simple and easy!I never tried lemon pasta but I will give this sauce a try. It looks beautiful! Pinning and stumbleing!
Bowl Me Over says
Awesome, thank you so much Ilka!!!
Martie says
MMM...pasta...my love language! I love to combine lemon and cream, especially on pasta! Thanks for sharing on #FoodieFriDIY!
Bowl Me Over says
Yum, yum, yum - we are speaking the same language! 😀
Bowl Me Over says
Yum, yum, yum - It's definitely a family favorite over here! 😀 Thank you Martie!
Ginger Wroot says
Oh, this looks sooo lish! I have lemons I need to use up now, and this is the prefect recipe! Thanks!
--G
http://gingerwroot.com
Michelle says
I made this last night, but added some stir fried veggies and carmelized onions. The sauce is light and creamy with just the right amount of lemon. Could see it as a Primavera dish as well with lovely Spring vegetables. Good job, Deb.
Bowl Me Over says
Thank you so much Michelle! I appreciate hearing the feedback and your ideas, gotta love a great pasta dish, yum!!
Gina says
This is going on the list for the next grocery trip! Looks so fresh and yummy! Can't wait!
Bowl Me Over says
Awesome Gina - I think the whole family will enjoy this one! Thanks so much for taking a moment to comment, I so appreciate it!
Patty Haxton Anderson says
What a difference between the lemons!!! I've been thinking about a lemon pasta dish lately as something to try and you've inspired me to give it a go.
Bowl Me Over says
Isn't it amazing Patty? I know I'm spoiled because I can pluck them right off the trees so I try to make the most of them while they are available!
Lois says
Deb fixed this meal for us when we were visiting last week and it was very very good. So tasty and fresh.
Bowl Me Over says
A real family favorite, thanks Mom!
Peter Block says
Looks truly delicious. Love the creamy and lemony texture and flavor.
Bowl Me Over says
Thanks Peter - such a yummy pasta, I hope you give it a try!
Florian @ContentednessCooking says
That looks so fresh and flavorful!
Bowl Me Over says
Yum, yum, yum - thanks Florian!