Creamy Lemon Pasta

Easy Lemon Garlic Pasta recipe in a large bowl.

This Lemon Garlic Pasta recipe is light, creamy, and made with the most perfect amount of savory garlic and bright lemon. Made with just a few simple ingredients, I love how easily this healthy weeknight pasta comes together for a flavorful vegetarian dinner. Every bite is so good!

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American, Italian

Diet Vegetarian

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Servings Servings

Calories 579kcal

Author Christine McMichael

Equipment

Non-Stick Skillet

Ingredients

16 ounces whole wheat spaghetti or regular
2 Tablespoons olive oil
3-4 teaspoons minced garlic
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 1/2 teaspoons fine sea salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/3 cup milk at room temperature
2 Tablespoons unsalted butter at room temperature
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese about 2 ounces
1/4 cup chopped parsley
Zest of 1 lemon

Instructions

Prepare all the ingredients in advance so that they are ready to go.
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Sprinkle with a generous amount of salt.
Add the spaghetti. Allow to cook for 7-9 minutes while you assemble the pasta sauce.
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil, minced garlic and red pepper flakes.
Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring often, until the garlic is fragrant and cooked through.
Whisk in the salt, pepper, lemon juice, and milk. Bring to a simmer.
Once simmering, mix in the butter and 1/4 cup of the grated parmesan. Cook until melted and thickened.
Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked pasta from the pot to the pasta sauce skillet.
Mix in 1/2 cup of the leftover pasta water to help thicken the sauce.
Cooking on medium-low heat, add in the parsley, lemon zest, and remaining 1/4 cup parmesan.
Toss everything together and allow the sauce to simmer until thickened and coating the pasta.

Video

Nutrition