Indulge in this effortlessly luxurious lemon pasta recipe, a truly exquisite treat for your senses! With just a handful of simple ingredients and a mere 10 minutes of your time, you’ll be transported to a sunny, citrus-infused culinary paradise. This dish isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience of bright, creamy comfort that promises to become a cherished staple in your weeknight rotation.
There are some recipes that simply etch themselves into your culinary repertoire, becoming a cherished go-to for those moments when you crave something extraordinary yet effortlessly simple. This easy lemon pasta recipe is precisely one of those gems for me. I first stumbled upon this brilliant creation a few decades ago, credit to none other than the iconic British cook, author, and television personality, Nigella Lawson – or “presenter,” as they affectionately say in the UK. For a long-time admirer of British television, and particularly her captivating show, “Nigella Bites,” her influence on my cooking has been profound. Her approach to food, always celebrating indulgence and flavor, coupled with her enchanting way with words, has made me a lifelong fan.
My journey with her creamy lemon pasta began years ago, and it’s a journey I’ve never regretted. It’s the ultimate solution for those evenings when dinner inspiration seems to elude you. The beauty lies in its accessibility: staple ingredients like pasta from the pantry, and fresh lemons, rich cream, wholesome eggs, and savory Parmesan cheese always on hand in the fridge. This truly is a meal built on pantry basics, yet it delivers a flavor profile that feels anything but basic. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients, expertly combined, can create something truly spectacular that tastes like it took hours, not minutes.
Beyond its convenience, this lemon pasta offers an unparalleled sense of comfort. As a firm believer in the magic of carbs and dairy, this dish hits all the right notes, providing a satisfying richness that soothes the soul. The lemon flavor, bright and invigorating, is absolutely off the charts, providing a vibrant citrusy punch that perfectly balances the creamy texture and the deep, savory undertones from the cheese and delicate seasonings. It’s a symphony of flavors that manages to be both wonderfully refreshing and deeply satisfying, making it a perfect dish for any season.
I wholeheartedly recommend this creamy lemon pasta for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner, and I’m confident it will quickly become a beloved favorite in your household too. Its speed and simplicity belie its gourmet taste, making it ideal for busy schedules without compromising on quality or indulgence. When time is of the essence at the dinner hour, remember this delightful recipe, or explore some of my other main dish recipes. You might particularly enjoy my homemade chicken cheesesteaks, hearty baked rigatoni, and elegant pork Milanese recipes for more delicious inspiration.
Table of Contents
- What is Lemon Pasta? Unpacking This Delightful Dish
- Why This is Truly the Best Creamy Lemon Pasta Recipe
- Key Ingredients for Your Perfect Lemon Pasta
- Essential Equipment for Effortless Preparation
- How to Make Creamy Lemon Pasta: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide
- Serving Suggestions and Creative Variations for Lemon Pasta
- Expert Tips for Mastering Your Lemon Pasta
- Frequently Asked Questions About Lemon Pasta
- Explore More of My Best Lemon Recipes
Jump to Recipe
What is Lemon Pasta? Unpacking This Delightful Dish
Lemon pasta, often referred to by its elegant Italian name, Pasta al Limone, is a sublime culinary creation that celebrates the vibrant flavors of fresh lemon in a rich, creamy sauce. At its heart, it’s a dish of delicate, tender pasta ribbons, beautifully entangled and generously coated in an incredibly luscious sauce. This sauce is a masterful blend of bright lemon zest and juice, rich egg yolks, savory Parmesan cheese, and a hint of fragrant seasonings. Just yesterday, I shared my homemade pasta recipe, and I firmly believe this lemon pasta is the quintessential way to showcase those freshly made noodles. The delicate texture of homemade pasta truly shines here, absorbing the creamy sauce beautifully, but any quality pasta will yield fantastic results.
The magic of lemon pasta lies in its exquisite balance of flavors and textures. It’s remarkably bright and zestfully citrusy, yet simultaneously creamy, velvety, and deeply comforting. Each forkful delivers a harmonious blend of tangy freshness and savory richness, creating a truly irresistible experience that awakens the palate. It’s pure indulgence in a bowl – a deceptively simple dish that transcends its humble origins to become something truly special. Whether you’re a connoisseur of Italian cuisine or simply seeking a quick and satisfying meal that feels gourmet, this dish offers a delightful journey for your taste buds, making it an ideal choice for a light yet satisfying dinner.
Why This is Truly the Best Creamy Lemon Pasta Recipe
Among countless pasta recipes, this creamy lemon pasta stands out for several compelling reasons. It consistently delivers an exceptional dining experience with minimal fuss, making it a true kitchen hero and a recipe you’ll return to again and again.
- Unforgettable Flavor Profile: The primary reason this recipe shines is its incredible, balanced taste. It achieves a perfect culinary equilibrium between zesty lemon, luxurious creaminess, the salty, umami depth of cheese, and the tender bite of perfectly cooked pasta. This delicate balance creates a symphony of flavors that is both refreshing and profoundly satisfying – truly a taste of sunny heaven in every bite. The brightness of the lemon cuts through the richness, preventing it from being too heavy.
- Minimal Ingredients, Maximum Impact: You don’t need a pantry overflowing with exotic or hard-to-find items to create this masterpiece. This recipe relies on a few easily accessible pantry staples and fresh ingredients that you likely already have on hand. This simplicity not only makes it incredibly convenient for last-minute meals but also allows each core flavor to truly shine without being overshadowed, proving that extraordinary food doesn’t require complex lists.
- Blazing Fast Preparation: In today’s fast-paced world, a genuinely quick meal is invaluable. This lemon pasta is legitimately a 10-minute meal, from the moment you start until it’s ready to serve. This remarkable speed makes it an ideal choice for busy weeknights, spontaneous cravings, or when you simply want to enjoy a delicious, homemade dinner without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s perfect for those evenings when time is your most precious commodity.
- Incredibly Versatile: While absolutely divine on its own, this recipe also serves as a fantastic canvas for customization. It’s wonderfully versatile, allowing you to easily add your favorite proteins like succulent grilled chicken, pan-seared shrimp, or even some crispy prosciutto to boost its heartiness. Alternatively, incorporate fresh herbs and vibrant vegetables to elevate the dish to a new level of complexity and flavor, adapting beautifully to your preferences and what you have available in your refrigerator.
Key Ingredients for Your Perfect Lemon Pasta
Creating this exquisite creamy lemon pasta relies on a few core ingredients, each playing a vital role in building its signature flavor and texture. Opting for quality ingredients, especially fresh ones, will always yield the most exceptional results.
- Cream: This is the luxurious foundation of our velvety sauce. I highly recommend using heavy whipping cream (also known as double cream in some regions) due to its superior richness and thick, opulent texture. It creates a truly indulgent sauce that coats the pasta beautifully, ensuring every bite is sumptuously creamy. If you’re looking for a dairy-free lemon pasta sauce, a high-quality plant-based cream substitute that can be swapped 1:1, such as full-fat coconut cream (mind the flavor) or cashew cream, will work well, though the final texture may vary slightly.
- Egg Yolks: Essential for adding incredible richness to the sauce, egg yolks also act as a natural emulsifier and thickener, contributing significantly to that desirable silky, glossy finish that clings to the pasta. Always use large, fresh chicken eggs for the best results, as their quality directly impacts the sauce. For plant-based alternatives, various egg substitutes are available, but their thickening properties may differ, so careful adjustment is advised.
- Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano is truly non-negotiable here for its unparalleled salty, nutty, and umami depth. Its complex flavor profile elevates the entire dish, providing a savory counterpoint to the bright lemon. While convenient pre-grated options exist, freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly and offers a far superior taste and texture. If you follow a vegan diet, your favorite dairy-free Parmesan alternative can be used. Pecorino Romano, with its sharper, saltier notes, also makes an excellent substitute if you prefer a bolder cheese flavor.
- Lemon: The undeniable star of the show! This recipe harnesses the full power of fresh lemons, utilizing both the fragrant zest and the tangy juice. The zest is crucial for capturing the aromatic essential oils of the lemon, providing a bright, floral perfume that infuses the entire dish, while the juice delivers that characteristic tangy punch that makes the dish sing and balances the richness of the cream. Always opt for fresh, unwaxed lemons; bottled juice simply won’t achieve the same vibrant, multi-dimensional flavor.
- Seasonings: A precise balance of flavors is key to a truly outstanding dish. Kosher salt is preferred for its clean taste and its ability to enhance all other ingredients without imparting a metallic note, ensuring the dish is perfectly seasoned. Freshly ground black pepper introduces a subtle warmth and savory complexity, beautifully complementing the bright citrus notes and adding depth.
- Pasta: The perfect vessel for our incredible sauce! For this particular recipe, I used fresh homemade tagliatelle, which was a delightful leftover from yesterday’s recipe post. However, this creamy lemon sauce is incredibly versatile and pairs wonderfully with various types of pasta. You can easily use high-quality store-bought fresh pasta, or even dried pasta from a good brand. Long, thin pasta shapes like spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine are classic choices as they effectively carry and entwine with the creamy sauce, but shorter, textured shapes like penne or rigatoni can also work beautifully, trapping the sauce in their ridges.
- Butter: A small amount of unsalted butter is tossed with the cooked noodles primarily to prevent them from sticking together, ensuring a pleasing texture. Crucially, it also adds an extra layer of luxurious richness and subtle flavor to the pasta itself before the sauce is even introduced. I prefer unsalted butter as it allows for precise control over the overall seasoning of the dish, preventing it from becoming overly salty.
Essential Equipment for Effortless Preparation
Gathering the right tools beforehand will make the preparation of your creamy lemon pasta a smooth, efficient, and enjoyable process. Having these items ready ensures you can work quickly and achieve the best results.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurement is fundamental in both baking and cooking. Refer to my guide on how to measure ingredients to ensure perfect proportions and consistent results every time.
- Large Mixing Bowl: A spacious mixing bowl is absolutely crucial. It provides ample room to comfortably whisk your sauce ingredients without splashing, and later, to gently and thoroughly toss the hot pasta with the sauce, ensuring every strand is coated without spillage.
- Whisk: A good quality whisk is indispensable for ensuring your sauce ingredients are smoothly combined and beautifully emulsified, preventing any lumps and creating a truly velvety texture.
- Microplane Zester: This specialized tool is essential for finely grating the lemon zest, ensuring you extract maximum aromatic flavor from the yellow peel without including any bitter white pith beneath it.
- Citrus Reamer or Juicer: To efficiently extract every precious drop of fresh lemon juice, a reamer or a small hand juicer is incredibly helpful, saving you time and effort.
- Large Pot: A generous-sized pot is necessary for cooking the pasta. It allows the noodles enough space to move freely, cook evenly, and prevents them from clumping together, especially with long pasta shapes.
- Colander: An indispensable kitchen item for safely and thoroughly draining the cooked pasta, ensuring no excess water dilutes your rich sauce.
- Tongs: These are invaluable for gently handling and tossing the delicate pasta with the sauce. They allow for even coating without breaking the strands, making sure every bite is perfectly infused with flavor.
How to Make Creamy Lemon Pasta: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide
This incredibly delicious and satisfying lemon pasta recipe comes together with surprising ease, requiring just three simple steps to transform a few humble ingredients into a gourmet-worthy meal. The key is to work efficiently and capitalize on the pasta’s residual heat to create a perfectly emulsified, velvety sauce.
Step 1: Prepare the Velvety Lemon Cream Sauce
Begin by taking a large mixing bowl – you’ll truly appreciate the extra space later for tossing the pasta. Into this bowl, add your carefully measured egg yolks, the rich heavy cream, finely grated Parmesan cheese, the wonderfully aromatic lemon zest, freshly squeezed lemon juice, a pinch of kosher salt, and a dash of freshly ground black pepper. These are the harmonious building blocks of your incredibly flavorful and creamy sauce.
Now, with a sturdy whisk, thoroughly combine all these ingredients. Whisk them vigorously until the mixture is completely smooth, beautifully blended, and appears well emulsified. You’re looking for a homogeneous, creamy consistency without any lumps. This ensures a consistent, delightful texture and flavor distribution in your final dish. Set this bowl aside, ready to embrace the hot pasta as soon as it’s cooked.
Step 2: Perfectly Cook Your Preferred Pasta
Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil over high heat. It’s crucial to generously salt the water – this is your only real chance to season the pasta itself, infusing it with flavor from the inside out. Once boiling vigorously, carefully add your chosen pasta. Give it a good stir immediately after adding to ensure the strands separate and prevent them from sticking together, especially important if you’re using fresh pasta.
Allow the pasta to cook according to package directions for dried pasta until it reaches a perfect al dente texture – tender yet still offering a slight, satisfying bite. If using fresh homemade pasta, it typically requires a much shorter cooking time, often just one or two minutes, depending on its thickness. You’ll know it’s perfectly done by fishing out a strand and taking a quick taste. Before draining, a crucial step for the sauce is to dunk a heat-proof mug into the pot and reserve about a cup of that starchy, hot pasta water. This “liquid gold” will be used later to adjust the sauce’s consistency if needed. Finally, drain the cooked pasta thoroughly in a colander and immediately transfer it back to the hot pot or a large, clean bowl. Add the unsalted butter and toss gently until the butter is completely melted and evenly coats the noodles, preventing them from clumping together.
Step 3: Artfully Combine for Creamy Perfection
With your pasta cooked, thoroughly drained, and beautifully buttered, it’s time for the grand finale. Carefully add the hot, buttery pasta directly into the large bowl containing your prepared lemon cream sauce. The residual heat from the pasta is absolutely essential here, as it will gently cook and temper the egg yolks in the sauce, creating a rich, silky texture without any risk of scrambling them. This step is where the magic truly happens, transforming the separate components into a cohesive, luscious dish.
Now, using your tongs, gently but thoroughly toss everything together. Continue to turn and lift the pasta strands, ensuring every single piece is sumptuously coated in that luxurious, bright lemon creaminess. This motion also helps further emulsify the sauce and fully integrate the flavors, making sure each bite is perfectly consistent and delicious. Work relatively quickly to maintain the heat.
If, during the tossing, the sauce appears too thick, dry, or a bit tight and not clinging as smoothly as desired, don’t worry! This is precisely where your reserved hot, starchy pasta water comes in handy. Dribble in a little of the starchy water, a tablespoon at a time, and continue tossing until the sauce reaches your desired luscious, flowing consistency. The starch in the water not only helps to thin the sauce but also acts as a binder, helping it beautifully cling to the pasta. Serve immediately and savor every glorious, creamy, and citrusy bite!
Serving Suggestions and Creative Variations for Lemon Pasta
This versatile creamy lemon pasta is a delight on its own, offering a perfect balance of flavors and textures, but it also provides a wonderful foundation for culinary creativity. It’s perfectly suited for any occasion – a quick and satisfying lunch, an elegant weeknight dinner, or even as a sophisticated appetizer or side dish. Here are some ideas to elevate your lemon pasta experience and truly make it your own:
Classic Serving & Garnishes:
- Generous Grating of Parmesan: A beautiful snowfall of freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano is a must. It adds an extra layer of salty, nutty flavor and a visually appealing finish that tempts the eye.
- Freshly Ground Black Pepper: A final flourish of freshly ground black pepper enhances the savory notes and provides a subtle, pleasing warmth that complements the bright lemon.
- Drizzle of Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: A light drizzle of high-quality extra-virgin olive oil just before serving adds a silky sheen, a subtle fruity note, and an added layer of richness to the dish.
- Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of finely chopped fresh basil, parsley, or chives not only adds a vibrant pop of color but also introduces an aromatic freshness that beautifully complements and brightens the lemon flavor.
Creative Variations to Try:
- Add Protein: Transform this delightful side into a complete, hearty meal by incorporating your favorite cooked protein.
- Grilled Chicken: Thinly sliced grilled or pan-seared chicken breast adds lean protein and a subtle smoky flavor that pairs wonderfully.
- Shrimp Scampi Style: Quickly sautéed shrimp, perhaps with a touch of garlic and a splash of white wine, makes for a luxurious and quick seafood addition.
- Smoked Salmon: Gently fold in delicate flakes of smoked salmon at the very end for a sophisticated touch and an appealing briny contrast.
- Crispy Prosciutto or Pancetta: For a savory, salty crunch that adds incredible depth of flavor, cook some diced prosciutto or pancetta until crispy and sprinkle generously over the finished dish.
- Incorporate Vegetables: Boost the nutritional value, texture, and color of your lemon pasta with seasonal vegetables.
- Asparagus: Lightly blanched or quickly sautéed asparagus tips add a lovely crisp-tender crunch and an earthy flavor that harmonizes well with lemon.
- Sweet Peas: Frozen peas can be added directly to the pasta water during the last minute of cooking for a hint of sweetness and a vibrant burst of green color.
- Fresh Spinach: Wilt in a handful of fresh spinach during the final toss; its slight bitterness and tender texture pair beautifully with the creamy lemon sauce.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Halved cherry tomatoes, added raw for freshness or quickly blistered in a pan for a deeper flavor, bring a burst of juicy sweetness and acidity.
- Spice It Up: For those who enjoy a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes (peperoncino) can be added to the sauce mixture or sprinkled on top as a fiery garnish.
- Herbaceous Twists: Experiment with different fresh herbs beyond basil. Fresh tarragon offers a subtle anise note, while finely chopped fresh mint can provide an unexpected, incredibly refreshing twist to the dish.
- Different Cheeses: While Parmesan is undeniably classic, consider a mix with a bit of tangy Pecorino Romano for extra punch, or even a dollop of creamy goat cheese stirred in at the end for a different kind of richness and subtle tang.
- Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free Options:
- Gluten-Free Pasta: This recipe adapts beautifully to your favorite gluten-free pasta, ensuring everyone can enjoy this delightful meal.
- Dairy-Free: For a dairy-free version, use a high-quality plant-based heavy cream substitute (e.g., full-fat coconut cream for richness, though be aware of its subtle flavor, or a store-bought vegan cream) and your preferred vegan Parmesan alternative.
Expert Tips for Mastering Your Lemon Pasta
Achieving the perfect creamy lemon pasta is simple with these insider tips that will elevate your dish from merely good to truly exceptional, ensuring a consistently delicious result every time.
- Embrace Fresh Lemon: The Flavor Difference is Real: There is absolutely no substitute for the bright, vibrant flavor and intoxicating aroma of fresh citrus. Your lemon pasta recipe will taste its absolute best if you commit to using freshly grated lemon zest and freshly squeezed juice from a real lemon. The zest carries the concentrated essential oils, offering a powerful, fragrant burst that bottled juice simply cannot replicate. Aim for organic, unwaxed lemons if possible, especially when zesting, to avoid any undesirable residues.
- Speed is Your Ally: Work Efficiently: The magic of this sauce lies in how it’s gently cooked and emulsified by the residual heat of the pasta and its starchy cooking water. This means working quickly and efficiently is paramount. Have all your sauce ingredients pre-measured and ready in the mixing bowl before the pasta even finishes cooking. As soon as the pasta is drained and buttered, transfer it to the sauce bowl without delay. This ensures the eggs temper properly, the cheese melts smoothly, and the sauce emulsifies into a perfect, luxurious coating that adheres beautifully to every strand.
- The Power of Pasta Water: Don’t Discard It All!: That cloudy, starchy water left over from cooking your pasta is truly liquid gold for Italian sauces. It’s not just for thinning; the starch in the water helps bind the sauce to the pasta, creating a silkier, more cohesive consistency that clings better. Always reserve at least a cup before draining your pasta completely. If your sauce looks too thick or “tight” after tossing, add a tablespoon or two of the starchy water at a time until it reaches your desired velvety texture.
- Taste and Adjust: Seasoning to Perfection: Always, always taste your sauce and the final combined dish before serving. Lemons can vary in tartness, and different cheeses will vary in saltiness. Don’t be afraid to add a little more salt, a fresh grind of black pepper, or even a tiny squeeze of additional lemon juice to perfectly balance the flavors to your personal preference. This final adjustment is key to making the dish truly sing.
- Gently Reheat Leftovers: Preserve the Creaminess: While this dish is undoubtedly best enjoyed fresh, leftovers can be delightful if handled correctly. To reheat, do so very gently. Avoid high heat, which can cause the egg yolks in the sauce to scramble or separate, leading to a less desirable texture. A microwave on a low setting or a skillet over very low heat with a splash of water or extra cream works best. Stir frequently until just warmed through, ensuring the sauce remains smooth and cohesive.
- Get Creative with Add-ins: Make it Your Own: As mentioned in the variations section, this recipe is incredibly adaptable and encourages personalization. Don’t hesitate to add cooked protein like tender chicken or succulent shrimp to boost the meal’s heartiness and make it more substantial. Fresh herbs such as fragrant basil, bright parsley, delicate tarragon, or earthy thyme can truly kick up the flavors, adding layers of aromatic complexity. Blanched asparagus spears, sweet peas, or quickly sautéed spinach are also wonderful additions for extra color, texture, and nutritional value.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lemon Pasta
The cooking time for your pasta will depend on whether you’re using dried or fresh varieties. If you’re cooking dried pasta, always follow the specific directions on the package. However, for this particular creamy lemon pasta recipe, I recommend draining it about a minute or so *before* it reaches its typical al dente stage. This slightly undercooked pasta allows it to finish cooking gently in the warm sauce, where it can absorb even more of those delicious lemon and creamy flavors, contributing to a more integrated and flavorful dish. For fresh homemade pasta, it typically requires a much shorter cooking time, often just one or two minutes, depending on its thickness. You’ll know it’s perfectly done by fishing out a strand and taking a quick taste – it should be tender but still have a pleasant, firm chew.
No, the eggs are not consumed raw in this lemon pasta recipe. The egg yolks in the sauce are gently cooked and tempered by the intense residual heat of the freshly cooked pasta and the small amount of hot, starchy pasta water that is added. This process of gentle heat application transforms the yolks, thickening the sauce and creating that beautiful, velvety, and emulsified texture without actually scrambling them into solid pieces. They become part of a rich, custardy coating that adheres perfectly to the pasta rather than remaining raw. However, it’s always important to exercise common sense regarding who you serve this recipe to, particularly individuals with compromised immune systems, as the eggs are cooked gently, not to a “hard-cooked” or fully solidified state.
This recipe is celebrated for its incredible speed, truly designed to be a quick, fresh meal that is best enjoyed immediately after preparation. However, if you need to get a head start, you could prepare the sauce mixture and cook and butter the pasta up to a day in advance. Store the sauce in an airtight container in the fridge, and the buttered pasta also refrigerated separately. When you’re ready to serve, gently warm both components. For the pasta, a quick toss in a skillet over very low heat with a splash of water or broth will revive it. For the sauce, warm it *very gently* (do not boil or use high heat, as this can cause the delicate egg-based sauce to scramble or separate) in a separate pan or in the microwave on a low setting, then combine with the warmed pasta. Any leftovers you may have will keep well in the fridge for a few days and can be gently reheated in the same manner. I would generally advise against freezing this dish, as the freeze-thaw process could potentially cause the delicate creamy, egg-based sauce to split or become grainy.
This recipe is designed to yield a satisfying portion for four people as a main course. Therefore, one serving is considered equal to one-quarter of the entire batch of prepared lemon pasta. The nutritional information provided below is calculated specifically for the pasta and the sauce components as listed in the ingredients section. Please note that this information does not include any additional ingredients or garnishes you might choose to add, such as supplemental protein (like grilled chicken or shrimp), fresh herbs, extra cheese for serving, or an additional drizzle of olive oil, all of which would naturally alter the caloric and macronutrient values.
Explore More of My Best Lemon Recipes
If you’ve fallen in love with the vibrant and refreshing taste of lemon in this pasta dish, you’re in for a treat! Lemon is a truly versatile ingredient that can brighten up both savory and sweet creations, adding a burst of freshness and complexity. Discover more delightful ways to incorporate this sunny citrus into your cooking with some of my other favorite lemon-infused recipes:
- Bright & Zesty Chicken Salad
- Garlicky Lemon Shrimp Scampi
- Classic Lemon Pound Cake
- Fluffy Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins
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Creamy Lemon Pasta
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Ingredients
- 2 large egg yolks (approx. 36g)
- 2/3 cup (158.67g) heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmigiano Reggiano, plus extra for garnish
- 1 tablespoon (6g) lemon zest (from one lemon)
- 1 1/2 tablespoons (22.5g) lemon juice (from half a lemon)
- 1 teaspoon (6g) kosher salt, plus extra for the pasta cooking water
- 1/4 teaspoon (0.5g) ground black pepper
- 16 ounces (453.59g) pasta (such as fresh tagliatelle)
- 2 tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter
Instructions
- Place the yolks, cream, parmesan, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a large bowl and whisk to combine until smooth.
- Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil.
- Add the pasta and cook, stirring occasionally, until it reaches an al dente texture.
- Before draining, scoop out approximately 1 cup of the hot pasta cooking water and set aside.
- Drain the pasta thoroughly and immediately toss it together with the unsalted butter in the empty hot pot or a clean large bowl until coated.
- Add the buttered pasta to the bowl containing the lemon cream sauce, and toss gently with tongs to ensure every strand is evenly coated.
- If the sauce appears too thick or dry, dribble in a small amount of the reserved hot pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until the desired creamy consistency is achieved.
- Garnish with freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano and freshly ground black pepper, if desired, and serve immediately.
Notes
Calories: 690kcal
,
Carbohydrates: 88g
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Protein: 21g
,
Fat: 28g
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Saturated Fat: 16g
,
Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g
,
Monounsaturated Fat: 7g
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Trans Fat: 0.2g
,
Cholesterol: 168mg
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Sodium: 823mg
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Potassium: 335mg
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Fiber: 4g
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Sugar: 4g
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Vitamin A: 998IU
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Vitamin C: 4mg
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Calcium: 177mg
,
Iron: 2mg
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