Hello everyone! Today, I’m excited to share a delicious and simple pasta recipe I learned from a friend in Italy. This Lemon Garlic Cream Pasta is now my go-to method for making pasta. Let’s get started!
Ingredients:
- 1 liter of water
- 1 teaspoon of salt (for boiling pasta)
- 200 grams of spaghetti pasta
- 1 lemon (peel and juice)
- 3 garlic cloves (thinly sliced)
- 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter
- Olive oil (for drizzling)
- 200 grams of heavy cream
- 1 level teaspoon of salt (for sauce)
- A pinch of black pepper
- 6 whole garlic cloves
- Parsley (to taste, for garnish)
Instructions:
Cooking the Pasta:
- Boil the Pasta:
- Start by adding 1 liter of water into a large saucepan over medium to low heat.
- Add 1 teaspoon of salt and 200 grams of spaghetti pasta.
- Cook the pasta for 10 minutes or until al dente.
- Reserve Pasta Water:
- After the pasta is cooked, use a ladle to separate some of the cooking water from the pasta and set it aside.
- Drain the rest of the water and set the pasta aside.
Preparing the Lemon and Garlic:
- Lemon Prep:
- Peel a lemon and chop the peel into thin strips, then into cubes. Set the cubes aside.
- Squeeze the juice from half of the peeled lemon and set it aside.
- Garlic Prep:
- Cut three garlic cloves into thin slices.
Making the Sauce:
- Butter and Garlic:
- In a large skillet over medium to low heat, add 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter.
- Stir until the butter is fully melted.
- Add Olive Oil and Garlic:
- Add a drizzle of olive oil to the skillet.
- Add the thinly sliced garlic and the chopped lemon peel.
- Stir until the garlic is slightly golden brown.
- Add Lemon Juice and Cream:
- Add the lemon juice and 200 grams of heavy cream to the skillet.
- Stir until everything is well combined.
- Season the Sauce:
- Season the sauce with a level teaspoon of salt and a pinch of black pepper.
- Add the reserved pasta water and stir again to combine.
Combining Pasta and Sauce:
- Add Pasta to Sauce:
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet.
- Add six whole garlic cloves.
- Stir until the pasta is well coated with the sauce and everything is combined.
- Finish with Parsley:
- Finish by adding parsley to taste for a fresh, vibrant flavor.
Serving:
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Your Lemon Garlic Cream Pasta is now ready to be served. Transfer to a serving dish and enjoy!
Tips and Variations:
- Extra Flavor: Add some grated Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor.
- Vegetable Addition: Add some steamed vegetables like broccoli or spinach for added nutrition.
- Protein Addition: For a heartier meal, add grilled chicken or shrimp.
FAQ Section:
Can I use a different type of pasta?
- Yes, you can use any type of pasta you prefer. Adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type.
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
- You can use half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream for a different flavor.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
- This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and reheat it before adding the pasta.
How do I store leftovers?
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat.
What can I use if I don’t have lemon soda?
- You can use plain sparkling water with a bit of lemon juice to achieve a similar effect.
Thank you for joining me today! I hope you enjoy making and eating this Lemon Garlic Cream Pasta as much as I do. Don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and leave a comment below with the name of your city – I’ll make sure to leave a heart for you! Enjoy your meal and see you next time. Bye-bye!
