Easy Delicious Creamy Lemon Pasta Recipe

Make your mealtime effortlessly elegant with this Easy Creamy Lemon Orzo pasta, featuring a rich, tangy sauce that’s both quick and irresistible.
Easy Creamy Lemon Pasta Recipe
Whip up a delightful Easy Creamy Lemon Pasta in no time! This recipe stands out with its smooth, lemon-infused creaminess and a handpicked selection of ingredients that ensure a burst of comfort in every forkful. Featuring butter, cream, garlic, Parmesan, and the zest of lemon, it’s a bright and satisfying dish that effortlessly transforms simple pantry staples into a restaurant-quality meal. Perfect for times when you crave something special without wanting to spend hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces of uncooked pasta rigatoni or penne recommended
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 tablespoon flour
- 1 small clove garlic minced
- 1/4 cup chicken broth/veg broth or dry white wine
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice + zest of 1/2 lemon
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
- 1/3 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Garnish: fresh parsley & extra parm optional
Instructions
- Boil a salted pot of water for the pasta and cook it al dente according to package directions.
- When the pasta is about 10 minutes away from being done, add the butter to a skillet over medium-high heat. Once it melts, sprinkle the flour in and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring fairly often.
- Add in the garlic, followed by the broth (or wine) and lemon juice + zest. Let it bubble for 1 minute.
- Whisk in the cream and cook it for a few minutes until the sauce has thickened up to your liking.
- Stir in the parmesan cheese and take the skillet off the heat. Season with salt & pepper as needed (I am generous with both).
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss until coated (I like to add a tablespoon or so of the pasta water to the sauce prior to draining it, especially if it’s become a tad too thick).
- Garnish with more parmesan and a bit of chopped parsley if desired. Serve immediately.
Serving Suggestions:
- Parmesan Crusted Chicken
- Easy Pan Seared Pork Chops
- Easy Pan Seared Salmon
- Super Simple Parmesan Arugula Salad
- Cheesy Garlic Bread
Tips and Tricks
- While rigatoni is recommended, feel free to use penne or any pasta you have on hand.
- If the sauce thickens too much, add a bit of the pasta water to achieve your desired consistency.
- Do not substitute the heavy cream with lower fat options to avoid curdling due to lemon’s acidity.