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Close-up of creamy pasta garnished with fresh parsley, cracked black pepper, and lemon slices. The pasta strands are coated in a rich sauce and arranged on a white plate.
Melissa Jo

Creamy Lemon Pasta Recipe

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I love Creamy Lemon Pasta for its lemons, minced garlic, and crushed red pepper—a flavorful main course made for sharing.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 21 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lemons use the zest and juice
  • 6 tbsp of butter
  • 2 tbsp of olive oil
  • 4 cloves of minced garlic
  • 1/2 tsp. of crushed red pepper
  • salt & cracked black pepper to taste
  • 4 oz. of white wine I used chardonnay
  • 1/2 -1 lb. of spaghetti
  • 1 cup of heavy cream
  • about 1/2 cup of pasta water
  • 2 handfuls of baby spinach rough chopped
  • 1/2 cup of freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese

Method
 

  1. Start a large pot of water for spaghetti. Once the water boils add lots of salt to the pot and add spaghetti. Boil until aldente. (reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before you drain)
  2. In a skillet with high sides add olive oil and 1/2 stick of butter. Sauté zest of 2 lemons, garlic, crushed red pepper, salt, and cracked black pepper until the garlic is fragrant and translucent.
  3. Then, add the juice of 2 lemons and white wine. Bring to a boil then lower to a simmer and cover the skillet. Let it simmer covered for about 5 minutes.
  4. After 5 minutes remove the lid and add 1 cup of heavy cream and pasta water. Bring back to a boil, then lower and simmer about 5-10 minutes or until you see thicken a bit.
  5. Next, add 2 tbsp. of butter and simmer a couple minutes. Then, add spinach roughly chopped and the spaghetti to the pan. Mix together. Add Pecorino Romano cheese & toss. . Simmer on low for a few minutes or until incorporated.
  6. Serve in a big bowl and garnish with lemon slices and fresh parsley.
  7. ENJOY!

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Notes

  • I use a great little lemon zester that works like a charm: https://amzn.to/3W1J0cW
  • The sauce will thicken even after you take off the heat. Don't worry if it seems a little loose!
  • My oven proof skillet with high sides : https://amzn.to/3WIdBwD

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