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CC's Table » Recipes » Dinners

Creamy Lemon Garlic Pasta

Published: Sep 15, 2020 · Modified: Nov 2, 2023 by Caitlin Charlton · This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no cost to you. · 14 Comments

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This 20-minute Creamy Lemon Garlic Pasta is a great staple pasta dish. It uses just a few ingredients that I almost always have on hand and makes for a fantastic main or side dish! The hot pasta gets tossed with a creamy parmesan garlic sauce to make this easy pasta dish irresistible!

lemon spaghetti in a white dish next to a cast iron pan
Jump to:
  • Key Ingredients
  • Reheating tips
  • Serving Suggestions
  • More quick pasta dishes you'll love
  • 📖 Recipe
  • Comments

Key Ingredients

This pasta dish tosses together hot pasta with a simple cream sauce, lemon zest and juice, herbs, garlic and red pepper flakes. Some of the key ingredients you'll need are:

  • Garlic- I grate my garlic but you can also finely mince it if you don't have a grater
  • Red pepper flakes- This pasta has a mild kick to it. You can omit these or add more depending on how you like spice.
  • Cream- You'll reduce the cream to make a rich and decadent sauce.
  • Herbs- I use fresh flat-leaf Italian parsley and thyme. Chopped basil would also be delicious.
  • Pasta- I like using a long pasta for this dish, such as spaghetti or linguine.
creamy lemon garlic pasta in a black cast iron pan with a white napkin

Reheating tips

While this pasta is best served immediately, it can also make for great leftovers. It can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3-5 days.

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To reheat, add the pasta to a saucepan with a splash of water to just coat the bottom of the pan. Heat the pan on medium heat. As the water heats up, the pasta will become more pliable. Continue to occasionally toss the pasta, adding more water as needed, until hot. Taste and adjust for seasoning and top with more freshly grated parmesan cheese.

Serving Suggestions

I love this dish as is, but if you are looking to add protein it would be great with grilled chicken, shrimp, or bacon. It would be great as a side dish along with any or all of these dishes:

  • Sausage-Stuffed Mushrooms for an appetizer
  • Marinated chicken 
  • Roasted Broccolini
  • Lemon and Garlic Smashed Potatoes
  • Raspberry Moscow Mule to drink

More quick pasta dishes you'll love

  • Peanut Noodles
  • Broccoli Lemon Pasta
  • Sun Dried Tomato Pasta

I hope this easy pasta becomes a staple on your table too. If you make this creamy lemon garlic pasta, I'd love to hear what you think in the comments below!

creamy spaghetti being tossed in a cast iron skillet with tongs

📖 Recipe

creamy lemon garlic pasta

Creamy Lemon Garlic Pasta

This recipe for easy, creamy lemon garlic pasta is a great staple dish that is made with just a few ingredients in 20 minutes.
5 from 8 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine: Italian
Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes minutes
Servings: 4 people
Author: Caitlin Charlton

Ingredients

  • 1 lb pasta I like using spaghetti
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 2 teaspoon grated garlic
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes more or less depending on spice preference
  • 1.5 cups heavy whipping cream
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest about 1 lemon
  • 2 tablespoon lemon juice about 1 lemon
  • ½ teaspoon finely chopped fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 tablespoon freshly chopped parsley plus more for serving if desired
  • ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
  • Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Bring a large pot of water to boil. Add pasta and a large pinch of salt and cook until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water. Drain.
  • Meanwhile, melt butter in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add garlic and red chili flakes and stir until fragrant, about 1 or 2 minutes (careful not to burn the garlic).
  • To the saucepan, add cream, lemon zest, lemon juice, thyme, and parsley. Bring to a low boil then reduce heat to a simmer. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally (be careful the cream doesn't boil over), until you can run your spoon along the bottom of your pan and see the bottom for a few seconds.
  • Stir in the parmesan. Add pasta and toss to combine. If the sauce is too thick, slowly add 1 tablespoon at a time of reserved pasta water until sauce coats the pasta. Serve immediately and top with fresh parsley, if desired.

Notes

  • This amount of chili flakes gives just a slight kick. Feel free to omit if you do not like spice, or increase if you are craving more spice.
  • Recipe was originally posted on September 15, 2020 and updated on February 16, 2023.

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Comments

    5 from 8 votes (3 ratings without comment)

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  1. Maureen says

    January 11, 2021 at 6:04 pm

    Just made this for dinner, it was delicious! Will definitely make again:)

    Reply
    • Caitlin from CC's Table says

      January 12, 2021 at 10:04 pm

      This makes me so happy to hear! Thank you so much for trying it! 🙂

      Reply
  2. Colleen says

    March 26, 2023 at 3:20 pm

    5 stars
    This lemon pasta is a perfect side dish for clams or other seafood. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
    • Caitlin from CC's Table says

      March 26, 2023 at 4:09 pm

      Thank you so much, Colleen! 🙂

      Reply
  3. Michelle says

    March 27, 2023 at 1:02 am

    5 stars
    I made this for dinner last night, it was so delicious! Everyone loved it so I will definitely be making this again.

    Reply
    • Caitlin from CC's Table says

      March 27, 2023 at 2:32 pm

      Thank you so much! I am so glad you liked it!!

      Reply
  4. Dannii says

    March 27, 2023 at 1:44 am

    5 stars
    This was so light and fresh, and really easy to make too.

    Reply
    • Caitlin from CC's Table says

      March 27, 2023 at 2:32 pm

      Thank you so much!!

      Reply
  5. Beth Sachs says

    March 27, 2023 at 4:27 am

    5 stars
    Such a simple pasta dish. It;s lovely and light and perfect for sunny days!

    Reply
    • Caitlin from CC's Table says

      March 27, 2023 at 2:33 pm

      That makes me so happy! Thank you so much!

      Reply
  6. Kelly Burns says

    May 26, 2023 at 11:52 am

    This is the best! Just the right amount of lemon and creamy goodness ‘❣️❣️

    Reply
    • Caitlin from CC's Table says

      June 22, 2023 at 2:49 pm

      Thank you so much! I am so glad you love it!

      Reply
  7. Kelsey says

    January 04, 2025 at 9:58 pm

    5 stars
    So easy and so yummy. Weeknight fav

    Reply
    • Caitlin Charlton says

      January 05, 2025 at 4:00 pm

      Thank you so much! I'm so glad you like this recipe! 🙂

      Reply
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Hi, I'm Caitlin! I'm an event planner turned professionally trained chef living by the beach! I'm excited to share with you recipes and tips for how I entertain with ease by prepping ahead.

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