Lemony creamy garlic pasta

If you're craving a rich, flavorful dish that perfectly balances tangy and creamy flavors, look no further than lemony creamy garlic pasta. This delicious pasta dish is an ideal choice for those who enjoy the combination of citrusy brightness and creamy indulgence. With a smooth garlic-infused sauce, this pasta is both comforting and refreshing, making it perfect for any occasion.

Lemony creamy garlic pasta starts with simple, high-quality ingredients that come together to create an irresistible meal. The lemon zest and fresh lemon juice add a vibrant zing, while the cream and Parmesan cheese bring depth and richness to the sauce. Meanwhile, sautéed garlic and fresh sage infuse the dish with an aromatic foundation that takes it to the next level. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or just preparing a quick weeknight meal, this dish is sure to impress.

The best part about lemony creamy garlic pasta is its versatility. You can easily add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even crispy Parma ham for those who enjoy some added protein. It’s a great option for vegetarians as well, and the sauce can be adjusted to suit your personal preferences, making it a go-to recipe for anyone.

In addition to its vibrant flavor, lemony creamy garlic pasta comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a time-saving yet elegant choice. The perfect balance of creamy and zesty flavors is sure to make this dish a favorite in your household.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Course Main Course, starter

Cuisine Italian

Servings 2 people

Ingredients

250 g pasta of your choice
1 Tbsp olive oil
3 large garlic cloves, minced
10 g fresh sage leaves, chopped
150 g fresh cream
100 g cream cheese
30 g freshly grated parmesan cheese
zest of a lemon
40 g freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 tsp salt
10 grinds of black pepper
2 slices parma ham, pan roasted in a dry pan, 1 to 2 minutes on each side, just to crispen up, broken into small pieces (optional)

Instructions

Bring pasta water to a boil
Start by filling a large pot with water and bringing it to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add salt generously, then cook your chosen pasta according to the package instructions, but reduce the time by one minute. This ensures the pasta remains slightly firm to finish cooking in the sauce.
Sauté garlic and sage
While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, this might take just a minute. Be careful not to burn the garlic—keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn’t brown. Add chopped sage leaves and continue to cook for an additional minute, letting the sage infuse the oil with its flavors.
Prepare the cream sauce
After the garlic and sage are fragrant, pour in the cream and add the cream cheese. Stir the mixture constantly, allowing the cream cheese to melt fully into the sauce. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, ensuring a smooth and creamy consistency.
Add parmesan and lemon zest
Once the cream sauce is ready, stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese and lemon zest. The Parmesan will thicken the sauce slightly, while the lemon zest adds a bright, tangy flavor to balance the richness.
Drain pasta and reserve water
When your pasta is ready, drain it, but be sure to reserve some of the pasta water. You may need this later to adjust the sauce’s consistency. Set the pasta aside.
Finish the sauce
Add the fresh lemon juice to the sauce and season with salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce feels too thick, gradually incorporate some of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
Combine pasta with sauce
Toss the drained pasta into the pan with the sauce, stirring gently to ensure every piece is coated. Adjust seasoning if needed, and serve immediately.
Optional parma ham topping
For an extra touch, top the pasta with crispy pieces of Parma ham, perfect for adding a savory crunch. Enjoy!

Notes

Recipe Notes:

Sage Substitute: If you don’t have fresh sage on hand, no worries! You can easily swap it out for 2 teaspoons of dried sage. If sage isn’t to your liking, oregano or rosemary are also great alternatives, offering their own unique flavors to the dish.
Parmesan Crust Tip: When I grate fresh Parmesan, I always save the Parmesan crust and store it in the fridge. If you have a piece of Parmesan rind, you can add it to the cream sauce while it simmers to intensify the flavor. Just be sure to remove the rind before mixing the pasta with the sauce.

These little adjustments will help enhance the dish and make it even more flavorful, whether you’re tweaking the herbs or adding extra richness with Parmesan!

Keyword lemony creamy garlic pasta, lemony pasta

Lemony creamy garlic pasta