Lemon Pasta: The BEST Easy Recipe You’ll Ever Make

Name: Lemon Pasta: The BEST Easy Recipe You'll Ever Make
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pound spaghetti; 2 large lemons, zest and juice; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 4 tablespoons butter, unsalted; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Salt to taste; Black pepper to taste; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

January 26, 2026

By:

Navy

Lemon pasta. The very words evoke images of sun drenched Italian coastlines, the scent of citrus mingling with the salty sea breeze. This isn’t just any pasta dish; it’s a celebration of simple ingredients, vibrant flavors, and the pure joy of cooking. My inspiration for this recipe comes from my grandmother, Nonna Elena, who could whip up a magical meal with just a few pantry staples and a whole lot of love. I hope you love this lemon pasta as much as my family does every time I make it.

This lemon pasta recipe is more than just a quick weeknight meal; it’s a memory, a feeling, a connection to my roots. And I’m thrilled to share it with you.

Why You Will Love This lemon pasta Recipe

This particular lemon pasta recipe is a winner for so many reasons. First, it’s incredibly quick to make, ready in under 30 minutes. Second, the bright, zesty lemon flavor is unbelievably refreshing and satisfying. Third, it’s incredibly versatile. You can keep it vegetarian or add shrimp, chicken, or vegetables to make it a heartier meal.

Comfort food doesn’t always have to be heavy and indulgent. Sometimes, the simplest flavors pack the biggest punch. It reminds me of the time I tried to recreate Nonna Elena’s Lemon Stew 2 recipe… It almost tasted as good as hers!

Good food doesn’t need to be complicated, and this recipe is proof of that. The creamy lemon sauce clings perfectly to the pasta, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Follow us on Pinterest for more simple and tasty recipes!

lemon pasta - Detail or variation — Close-up detail

Ingredients Needed for This lemon pasta Recipe

Pasta: 1 pound spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine (your favorite!)
Lemons: 2 large lemons, zest and juice
Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
Butter: 4 tablespoons, unsalted
Heavy Cream: 1/2 cup
Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup, grated, plus more for serving
Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
Salt: To taste
Black Pepper: To taste
Fresh Parsley: 1/4 cup, chopped, for garnish

How to Make This lemon pasta Recipe

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.

2. While the pasta is cooking, prepare the lemon sauce. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant, but be careful not to burn it.

3. Add the lemon zest and lemon juice to the skillet. Stir to combine. Simmer for about 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

4. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce slightly thickens.

5. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Remember, cheese is already salty, so add salt judiciously.

6. Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat it evenly with the lemon sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to thin it out until it reaches your desired consistency. Consider adding some of the Spring Picnic Pasta 3 for texture and complimentary flavors.

7. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese. A drizzle of good quality olive oil is optional, but highly encouraged.

How to Serve This lemon pasta Recipe

Serve your lemon pasta immediately for the best flavor and texture. Garnish with fresh parsley and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. For a pop of color, consider adding a few red pepper flakes.

This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. It’s also delicious with a side of grilled asparagus or a simple green salad.

For a more substantial meal, top with grilled shrimp or chicken. You could also add some sun dried tomatoes or artichoke hearts for extra flavor and texture. I like to sometimes drizzle with a little extra virgin olive oil for flavor.

How to Store This lemon pasta Recipe

To store leftover lemon pasta, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep for up to 3 days.

When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to prevent the sauce from drying out. You can reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat.

Freezing is not recommended, as the sauce may separate and become grainy upon thawing.

Tips to Make This lemon pasta Recipe

Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best lemony flavor. Bottled juice simply doesn’t compare.
Don’t overcook the garlic, as it can become bitter.
Reserve enough pasta water! It’s your secret weapon for creating a perfectly emulsified sauce.
Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Everyone’s preference for salt, pepper, and lemon varies.

Helpful Notes for This lemon pasta Recipe

For a richer flavor, you can use browned butter instead of regular butter. Just cook the butter in the skillet until it turns golden brown and has a nutty aroma.

If you don’t have heavy cream, you can use half and half or whole milk, but the sauce will be slightly thinner.

Feel free to experiment with different types of pasta! Penne, rotini, or farfalle would also work well. If you liked this, you will likely enjoy Spring Picnic Pasta 2.

Variation of This lemon pasta Recipe

Shrimp lemon pasta: Add sautéed shrimp to the pasta for a protein boost.
Vegetable lemon pasta: Toss in some roasted vegetables, such as asparagus, broccoli, or bell peppers.
Spicy lemon pasta: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a kick.
Lemon Herb Pasta: Mix other herbs such as basil, thyme, rosemary, or oregano

What kind of pasta is best for lemon pasta?

Long, thin pasta shapes like spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine work best because they easily coat themselves with the sauce. Their surface area allows for maximum lemon pasta flavor absorption.

How do I prevent the sauce from separating in lemon pasta?

To prevent the sauce from separating, make sure to cook the pasta in salted water and reserve some of the starchy pasta water. The starch in the water helps emulsify the sauce, creating a creamy, cohesive texture.

Can I add protein to lemon pasta?

Yes, you can! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even some white beans make great additions to lemon pasta. The freshness of the lemon pairs well with a variety of proteins.

What are some variations of lemon pasta recipes?

Many variations exist to customize your lemon pasta. You can add vegetables like asparagus or peas, experiment with different cheeses such as goat cheese or parmesan, or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some spice.

Conclusion

This lemon pasta is a bright, flavorful dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a more leisurely weekend lunch. Give this recipe a try and experience the simple joy of fresh lemon pasta. Don’t hesitate to adjust it based on your taste preferences. Now I want to hear from you: What’s your favorite way to customize lemon pasta? Share your thoughts and questions in the comments below!