Ever have one of those evenings when you’re craving something delicious but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen? That was me, last Tuesday. I opened my pantry and found a humble box of angel hair pasta and immediately thought of my favorite Creamy Lemon Garlic Pasta. This dish has become a weeknight staple in my home for its ease and delightful burst of flavor. Let me walk you through the steps to make this irresistible pasta, perfect for a comforting dinner.
Why You’ll Love This
- Quick and Easy: It’s ready in just 25 minutes, perfect for those busy weeknights.
- Fresh Ingredients: Uses fresh lemon and garlic for a vibrant flavor profile.
- Minimal Cleanup: You’ll only need a skillet and a pot, keeping things simple and tidy.
- Kid-Friendly: The creamy texture and mild spice make it a hit with kids.
- Customizable: Easily adaptable for dietary preferences or what you have on hand.
Ingredients
- 3/4 pound angel hair pasta, cooked: Light and delicate, perfect for absorbing all that creamy sauce.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a subtle richness to the sauce.
- 4 cloves garlic, chopped: Packs a fragrant punch that’s the cornerstone of this dish.
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes: Provides a gentle heat to balance the creaminess.
- 2 lemons, juiced (about 1/3 cup): Adds a fresh, bright tang to the sauce.
- 1 cup vegetable broth: Enhances the flavor depth without overpowering.
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream: The base of the creamy sauce, creating a luscious texture.
- 1 cup parmesan cheese, shredded: Melts into the sauce, adding salty, nutty notes.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for balancing flavors.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce Base
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over low heat. Add the chopped garlic and red pepper flakes. Let them cook gently until the garlic turns fragrant—this should take a few minutes. Be careful not to let it brown as this can make the garlic bitter.
Step 2: Build the Sauce
Stir in the lemon juice, vegetable broth, and heavy cream. Allow this mixture to simmer, inviting all the flavors to meld beautifully. Cook for about 10–15 minutes, until the sauce is well combined and slightly thickened.
Step 3: Final Touches
Remove the skillet from the heat and season with salt and pepper to your liking. Stir in the freshly shredded parmesan cheese and watch as it melts into a creamy, irresistible sauce.
Step 4: Toss and Serve
Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, turning it gently so every strand is luxuriously coated. Serve immediately, perhaps with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for an added touch of color.
Important Things to Remember
- Watch the garlic: Stir constantly on low heat to prevent burning.
- Balance is key: Taste the sauce before adding parmesan, adjusting seasoning as needed.
- Don’t overcook the pasta: Remove it just shy of al dente to finish in the sauce.
- Thickness: If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of pasta water to adjust the consistency.
How to Serve It
This pasta is perfect for a cozy dinner paired with a green salad and crusty bread to mop up every bit of the sauce. For a special touch, serve with a chilled glass of white wine that complements the citrus notes.
Making It Your Own
Feel free to customize this dish based on what’s available. Swap the vegetable broth for chicken broth if preferred, or add sautéed shrimp or roasted vegetables for extra protein and texture. For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
Keeping and Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop with a splash of broth or cream to restore its silky texture. Avoid microwaving, as it can dry out the sauce.
What I’ve Figured Out
After making this dish numerous times, I’ve learned that the key to its success lies in the quality of ingredients, especially the parmesan and lemons. Freshly shredded cheese and real lemon juice really elevate the flavors. Don’t skimp here!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While angel hair captures the sauce well, you can try linguine or fettuccine for a heartier bite.
Is there a dairy-free option for the cream?
You can use full-fat coconut milk as a substitute, lending a different but delicious flavor profile.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Definitely. Substitute with your favorite gluten-free pasta, ensuring it’s cooked to the right tenderness.
What can I do if my sauce separates?
If the sauce begins to separate, whisk in a splash of cream or pasta water to bind it back together.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
It can be made ahead, but for best texture and flavor, I recommend making fresh and storing leftovers only short-term.
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Lemon Garlic Pasta
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Creamy Lemon Garlic Pasta: A Bright and Breezy Meal
Ingredients
- 3/4 pound angel hair pasta, cooked
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes
- 2 lemons, juiced (about 1/3 cup)
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup parmesan cheese, shredded
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Sauce Base In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over low heat. Add the chopped garlic and red pepper flakes. Let them cook gently until the garlic turns fragrant—this should take a few minutes. Be careful not to let it brown as this can make the garlic bitter.
- Step 2: Build the Sauce Stir in the lemon juice, vegetable broth, and heavy cream. Allow this mixture to simmer, inviting all the flavors to meld beautifully. Cook for about 10–15 minutes, until the sauce is well combined and slightly thickened.
- Step 3: Final Touches Remove the skillet from the heat and season with salt and pepper to your liking. Stir in the freshly shredded parmesan cheese and watch as it melts into a creamy, irresistible sauce.
- Step 4: Toss and Serve Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, turning it gently so every strand is luxuriously coated. Serve immediately, perhaps with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for an added touch of color.
