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CREAMY LEMON GARLIC SPAGHETTI

By The Chef

CREAMY LEMON GARLIC SPAGHETTI

This quick and zesty pasta dish combines the brightness of lemon with the richness of cream, making it the perfect weeknight comfort meal. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a refreshing twist on classic spaghetti that your readers will love.

INGREDIENTS

  • 400 g spaghetti (14 oz)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil (30 ml)
  • 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • Zest of 1 large lemon
  • Juice of 1 large lemon (about 60 ml / ¼ cup)
  • 250 ml heavy cream (1 cup)
  • 50 g grated Parmesan cheese (½ cup)
  • Salt, to taste (about 1 tsp / 5 g)
  • Black pepper, freshly ground, to taste
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (30 ml)

STEP-BY-STEP COOKING INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti until al dente (8–10 minutes). Reserve ½ cup (120 ml) of pasta water before draining.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant, but not browned.
  3. Stir in lemon zest and juice, then pour in the cream. Simmer gently for 3–4 minutes.
  4. Add Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and sauce thickens slightly. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
  5. Toss drained spaghetti into the skillet, adding reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
  6. Finish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.

HELPFUL COOKING TIPS

  • Reserve pasta water: The starchy liquid helps emulsify the sauce and cling to the spaghetti.
  • Use fresh lemon: Bottled juice lacks the brightness of fresh zest and juice.
  • For extra richness: Add a knob of butter at the end before tossing with pasta.
  • Make it lighter: Swap cream for Greek yogurt or half-and-half.
  • Add protein: Grilled chicken or seared salmon pairs beautifully with this sauce.

PREP & COOKING TIMES

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION (PER SERVING, 4 SERVINGS)

  • Calories: ~480 kcal
  • Protein: 14 g
  • Carbohydrates: 55 g
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Fiber: 3 g

DIETARY TAGS

  • Vegetarian-friendly
  • Quick weeknight meal
  • Comfort food

ALLERGEN INFORMATION

  • Contains dairy (cream, Parmesan)
  • Contains gluten (spaghetti)
  • Not suitable for lactose-intolerant or gluten-sensitive diets unless substitutions are made
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