Food Blog: Creamy Lemon Pasta

Wednesday, April 26, 2023

Creamy Lemon Pasta

Hello reader,

This Creamy Lemon Pasta is made with simple ingredients in under 30 minutes! This bright flavored pasta dinner is a little bit different in that we brown half the butter to give it extra flavor.

CREAMY LEMON PASTA

prep time: 10 MINS cook time: 20 MINS servings: 8 SERVINGS

INGREDIENTS

1 lb short pasta (penne, rigatoni, ziti, trottole)
1 large lemon
1/2 cup butter, divided
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
2 cups heavy cream
1 cup reserved pasta water
3/4 cup grated Parmesan
salt and pepper to taste , (about 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper to start)
(optional) chopped parsley for garnish

INSTRUCTIONS

In a large pot of salted water, cook the pasta according to directions. Make sure to reserve 1 cup of pasta water for the sauce.
Zest the lemon and cut two slices off removing the seeds. Juice the rest of the lemon. Set aside.
In a large saucepan, melt half of the butter (4 tablespoons) over medium heat with the two slices of lemon. Brown the butter (cook for 3-4 minutes) until specks of brown appear and it smells nutty. Quickly add the garlic and red pepper and cook for 30 seconds. Remove the slices of lemon with tongs.
Quickly add the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter, cream, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Add the 1 cup of pasta water (scooping it out if still cooking pasta).
Simmer sauce for 5-7 minutes until it thickens slightly. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper. Add the drained pasta and toss to coat.
Serve immediately and garnish with more Parmesan and parsley if desired.