Description
This creamy lemon pasta recipe features tender rigatoni or penne tossed in a luscious lemon-infused cream sauce made with butter, garlic, chicken broth, and freshly grated Parmesan. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s a perfect quick and satisfying Italian-inspired dinner that balances bright citrus flavors with rich, savory notes.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces uncooked pasta (rigatoni or penne recommended)
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 tablespoon flour
- 1 small clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or vegetable broth or dry white wine
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice + zest of 1/2 lemon
- 1 cup heavy or whipping cream
- 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish (optional)
- Fresh parsley
- Extra Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta until al dente according to package directions. Reserve a little pasta water before draining.
- Make Roux: About 10 minutes before the pasta finishes cooking, melt the butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sprinkle in the flour and cook, stirring frequently, for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
- Add Aromatics and Liquids: Stir in the minced garlic, then pour in the chicken broth (or vegetable broth or dry white wine), lemon juice, and lemon zest. Allow the mixture to bubble and reduce for about 1 minute.
- Incorporate Cream: Whisk in the heavy cream and cook for several minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
- Finish Sauce: Remove the skillet from heat, then stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Season generously with salt and pepper according to taste.
- Toss Pasta and Serve: Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, stir in about a tablespoon of reserved pasta water to loosen it. Garnish with extra Parmesan and chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use rigatoni or penne for best sauce clinging.
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency as needed.
- For vegetarian option, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Fresh lemon zest adds vibrant citrus flavor.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the creamy texture at its best.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
