Italian · Dinner
Creamy Lemon Herb Pasta with Parmesan
A 20-minute weeknight pasta with a silky lemon-cream sauce, fresh herbs, and shaved parmesan.
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Prep
5 min
Cook
15 min
Servings
4
Calories
520
Ingredients
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Instructions
- 1
Boil the pasta
Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a rolling boil. Cook pasta one minute short of al dente, reserving 1 cup of starchy pasta water before draining.
- 2
Bloom the garlic
Meanwhile, melt butter in a wide skillet over medium-low heat. Add garlic and swirl until fragrant and just barely golden, about 90 seconds — do not brown.
- 3
Build the sauce
Pour in the cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Off the heat, whisk in parmesan a handful at a time until silky.
- 4
Bring it together
Add drained pasta to the skillet with lemon zest, juice, and a splash of pasta water. Toss vigorously for 60 seconds until glossy and clinging.
- 5
Finish & serve
Stir in herbs, season generously and serve immediately with extra parmesan and a final crack of pepper.
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Equipment
What you'll need
- · 12-inch heavy skillet
- · Microplane zester
- · Large pasta pot
- · Wooden tongs
Tips & substitutions
Cook's notes
- · Reserve more pasta water than you think — silkiness lives there.
- · Pull the sauce off the heat before adding cheese to avoid clumping.
- · Swap parmesan for pecorino for a saltier, sharper finish.
Nutrition (per serving)
520
Calories
18g
Protein
62g
Carbs
22g
Fat
Frequently asked questions
Can I make this pasta dairy-free?+
Yes — swap the butter for olive oil, the cream for full-fat coconut milk or cashew cream, and use a vegan parmesan-style cheese. The sauce will be slightly thinner but just as luxurious.
What pasta shape works best?+
We love bucatini for its chew, but linguine, spaghetti or even short shapes like rigatoni work beautifully. Avoid fragile shapes like angel hair.
How do I store leftovers?+
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of milk or water to loosen the sauce.
Can I add protein?+
Absolutely. Seared shrimp, grilled chicken, or crispy chickpeas are all excellent. Add at the end so they stay tender.
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