Easy Creamy Lemon Garlic Pasta

Category: Sophisticated Dinners Ready in 45 Minutes or Less

Creamy lemon garlic pasta brings together velvety spaghetti coated in a luscious sauce of melted butter, sautéed garlic, and a splash of fresh lemon juice. Heavy cream gives the sauce its rich texture, while plenty of grated parmesan adds savory notes throughout. After tossing the al dente pasta in the sauce, fresh parsley is stirred in for brightness and color, making each forkful vibrant. Finished with a shower of parmesan and a hint of black pepper, this pasta is both comforting and lively, balancing creamy richness with zesty citrus. Enjoy immediately for the best flavor and texture.

A woman in a white chef's coat smiles for the camera.
Created By Mia Laurent
Updated on Tue, 27 May 2025 20:45:58 GMT
A bowl of pasta with lemon slices on top. Pin
A bowl of pasta with lemon slices on top. | chefmiarecipes.com

There are evenings when you crave something quick but special and this creamy lemon garlic pasta delivers every time. The sauce only takes a few everyday ingredients but turns out restaurant-quality smooth with a punch of bright lemon and just the right depth from garlic and parmesan. It has rescued many last-minute weeknight dinners in my home and always leaves us scraping the bowl clean.

My family lights up whenever I make this pasta. I first whipped it together late after coming in from a busy day and the whole table sat a little closer after the first bite.

Ingredients

  • Unsalted butter: brings a silky base and allows you to control the salt level Look for a block with a fresh clean aroma
  • Fresh garlic cloves: chopped small release the most flavor Try to choose cloves that feel heavy for their size and have tight skins
  • Lemon: juiced for freshness lifts and balances the richness Pick lemons that give slightly under gentle pressure
  • Heavy cream: makes the sauce smooth and decadent A high fat content will keep the sauce from breaking
  • Parsley: adds freshness and a pop of green Use flat leaf if possible for best flavor
  • Parmesan cheese: brings saltiness and nutty complexity Grate it yourself from a wedge for the finest melt and taste
  • Spaghetti: is the classic choice for catching sauce Use good quality pasta with a rough surface to help the sauce cling
  • Salt and pepper: are essential for amplifying all the flavors Use fresh cracked pepper for best aroma

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until just al dente which is usually about nine to ten minutes Taste a strand to check for a firm bite Drain the pasta but save half a cup of the cooking water
Cook the Garlic:
Place a large skillet or saucepan over medium low heat Add the butter and let it melt gently avoiding browning Add the finely minced garlic and stir frequently for about two minutes until it smells fragrant and just turns golden Watch closely so it does not burn
Add Lemon Juice:
Pour the fresh lemon juice over the sautéed garlic and stir well Let this cook together for about one minute to combine the flavors
Simmer with Heavy Cream:
Slowly add the heavy cream to the skillet stirring constantly to make everything smooth Keep the heat at medium low and let the sauce simmer for five minutes Stir every minute or so to keep it from sticking and until it just starts to thicken
Add in the Spaghetti:
Once the sauce is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon add your cooked spaghetti to the skillet Pour in half a cup of the reserved pasta water Toss everything together using tongs until the pasta is silky and coated with sauce Taste and season with salt and cracked black pepper
Finish with Parsley and Parmesan:
Remove the skillet from the heat Sprinkle over chopped parsley and freshly grated parmesan Toss the pasta again so the cheese melts and the parsley is evenly spread
Serve:
Swirl the creamy lemon garlic pasta into warm bowls Garnish with extra parsley and parmesan if desired Serve immediately while piping hot and enjoy every bite
A bowl of pasta with a lemon wedge on top. Pin
A bowl of pasta with a lemon wedge on top. | chefmiarecipes.com

I love the floral hit of fresh parsley at the end because it brightens the whole dish and reminds me of family dinners where everyone fights for the last noodles

Storage tips

Leftovers keep well covered in the refrigerator for up to two days If the pasta thickens too much add a splash of milk or cream when reheating to loosen the sauce The flavor stays bright and satisfying even the next day

A bowl of pasta with sliced lemons on top. Pin
A bowl of pasta with sliced lemons on top. | chefmiarecipes.com

Ingredient substitutions

You can swap heavy cream with half and half for a lighter version For vegan swaps try full fat coconut milk or plant based cream Parmesan can be replaced with a hard aged cheese like pecorino if desired

Serving suggestions

This pasta needs little more than a green salad or steamed asparagus for balance Warm garlic bread is perfect for scooping up extra sauce Sometimes I top with toasted pine nuts or grilled chicken for a heartier meal

Cultural and historical context

Creamy lemon pastas are a staple of Italian and Mediterranean kitchens taking advantage of citrus with rich dairy The combination is rooted in southern Italy where lemons grow especially well Each family has its own twist but the fundamentals of garlic cream and lemon go back generations

Common Recipe Questions

→ What type of pasta works best for this dish?

Spaghetti is ideal as it holds the creamy sauce well, but fettuccine or linguine are also excellent options.

→ Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?

Fresh lemon juice gives a brighter, more vibrant flavor and is highly recommended for best results.

→ How do I prevent the cream sauce from curdling?

Simmer the sauce over medium-low heat and avoid boiling. Stir frequently to keep the texture smooth.

→ Is this dish vegetarian?

Yes, as long as you use vegetarian-friendly parmesan or a suitable hard cheese alternative.

→ What garnishes pair well with this pasta?

Extra grated parmesan, chopped fresh parsley, and a twist of black pepper work nicely for garnish and added flavor.

→ Can leftovers be reheated?

Leftovers can be gently reheated over low heat with a splash of milk or cream to restore the sauce's smoothness.

Easy Creamy Lemon Garlic Pasta

Silky spaghetti tossed in creamy lemon-garlic sauce, brightened with parsley and parmesan. Comforting freshness in every bite.

Prep Time
15 minutes
Cooking Time
15 minutes
Total Duration
30 minutes
Created By: Mia Laurent

Recipe Category: Weeknight Elegance

Skill Level: Beginner-Friendly

Recipe Cuisine: Italian

Recipe Yield: 4 Number of Servings

Dietary Categories: Vegetarian-Friendly

Ingredients You’ll Need

01 3 tablespoon unsalted butter
02 3 garlic cloves, minced
03 1 lemon, juiced
04 500 ml heavy cream
05 3 tablespoon parsley, chopped
06 ¾ cup parmesan, grated
07 300 g spaghetti
08 Salt and pepper to taste

Steps to Make It

Step 01

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 02

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fragrant and golden brown.

Step 03

Pour in the freshly squeezed lemon juice and stir well to combine, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 04

Add the heavy cream to the skillet with the garlic and lemon mixture. Stir to combine. Simmer over medium-low heat for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 05

Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet along with half a cup of pasta water. Toss the pasta in the sauce until evenly coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 06

Remove from heat. Sprinkle the chopped parsley and grated Parmesan over the pasta. Toss gently to incorporate.

Step 07

Transfer the pasta to serving plates or bowls. Garnish with additional parsley and Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately.

Essential Tools

  • Knife
  • Cutting Board
  • Pot
  • Frying Pan
  • Salt and Pepper Mills

Allergen Details

Review every item for allergen risks. Reach out to a healthcare expert for any concerns.
  • Contains dairy
  • Contains gluten

Nutritional Details (Per Serving)

These figures are for general reference and shouldn’t replace expert medical guidance.
  • Caloric Content: 650
  • Fat Content: 40 grams
  • Carbohydrate Content: 55 grams
  • Protein Content: 18 grams