Description
Culinary magic happens with this lemon garlic parmesan pasta, combining zesty citrus and creamy cheese in a single skillet. Quick weeknight dinners never tasted so good, promising restaurant-quality flavor that will delight you with minimal cleanup and maximum satisfaction.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 12 ounces (340 grams) linguine or spaghetti
- 4 cups (960 milliliters) chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup (100 grams) Parmesan-style cheese, grated (using non-animal rennet; divided)
Flavor Enhancers:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 2 lemons
- 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) heavy cream
Garnish and Seasoning:
- 1/4 cup (15 grams) fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Assemble ingredients in a large pot, combining uncooked pasta, broth, olive oil, minced garlic, and lemon zest. This unconventional method creates a unique cooking technique that ensures flavor infusion.
- Elevate heat to boiling point, then immediately reduce to medium-low temperature. Continuously stir to prevent pasta from adhering to pot’s surface during the 8-10 minute cooking process.
- Monitor liquid reduction, observing how the mixture transforms into a silky, luxurious sauce. If liquid evaporates too rapidly, introduce additional broth or water to maintain proper consistency.
- Remove pot from heat once pasta reaches perfect al dente texture. Incorporate lemon juice, majority of parmesan cheese, and heavy cream, thoroughly coating each pasta strand with the creamy mixture.
- Enhance flavor profile by gently folding in fresh parsley, seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Allow pasta to rest 2-3 minutes, enabling sauce to thicken and develop deeper flavor complexity.
- Plate the pasta, garnishing with reserved parmesan cheese and optional red pepper flakes for those desiring an extra kick of spiciness. Serve immediately while sauce remains warm and vibrant.
Notes
- Choose short pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or farfalle that hold sauce well and cook evenly in one pot.
- Keep extra broth or water nearby to prevent sticking and ensure perfect sauce consistency if pasta absorbs liquid too quickly.
- Swap heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for dairy-free version, maintaining creamy texture without compromising flavor.
- Easily transform this vegetarian dish by adding cooked chicken, shrimp, or crispy bacon bits for extra protein and depth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg