Creamy Lemon Pasta
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
10 mins
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Total Time
20 mins
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Servings
4
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Calories
422 kcal
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Course
Main Course
Creamy Lemon Pasta
Description
Creamy Lemon Pasta uses angel hair pasta simmered in a sauce made from butter, garlic, chicken broth, and half and half. Parmesan cheese is folded in gradually to build richness and smoothness. The pasta cooks in the sauce, absorbing flavor while remaining tender. Fresh lemon juice added at the end brings a fresh acidity that balances the creamy texture.
Garlic provides aromatic depth without overpowering the dish. Optional capers can be included for a savory, briny contrast. Fresh parsley garnish adds color and a mild herbal note. The use of angel hair pasta allows for quick cooking and creates a light pasta dish that works well alongside protein or vegetable additions.
Meat or seafood additions like chicken, shrimp, or steak can be served with this pasta, as well as vegetables like roasted broccoli or steamed greens. The sauce thickens as it stands, making for a clingy coating on the pasta.
Angel hair pasta is preferred; regular spaghetti cooks differently and requires adjustments in liquid and time.Use warm milk or half and half when adding to prevent curdling of the sauce.Optional add-ins include lemon garlic shrimp, chicken Milanese, grilled chicken or steak, roasted broccoli, spinach, or steamed asparagus for a fuller meal.
Ingredients
- ½ cup Parmesan Cheese shredded
- 3 Tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic minced, fresh
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth
- 1 cup half and half at room temperature
- 8 oz. angel hair pasta equal to 1/2 lb
- 1/2 lemon or 1.5 tablespoons lemon juice, fresh
- parsley to garnish, fresh
- 1 tablespoon capers optional
Instructions
- Shred the Parmesan cheese and set it aside to allow it to get to room temperature.
- Melt the butter over medium heat in a large skillet. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Add the chicken broth. (And 1 tablespoon capers if desired.)
- Slowly stir in the half and half. Bring to a gentle boil, then add the pasta. Add the pasta. You can break the noodles in half, or allow them to heat up until you can use kitchen tongs to bend them into the pan.
- Let the pasta simmer for 4-5 minutes. Stir it every 30 seconds or so to prevent the noodles from sticking together. Reduce heat to low.
- Gradually sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese, stirring as you do so, until smooth and well-combined. Note: The sauce will be thin at first but will thicken upon standing. The pasta will continue to absorb more of the sauce as well.
- Remove from heat and add lemon juice. Toss the pasta to combine. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve.
Notes
- Angel hair pasta is preferred for proper cooking time and texture; avoid regular spaghetti without adjustments.
- Warm milk or half and half before adding to avoid curdling.
- Optional additions: lemon garlic shrimp, chicken Milanese, grilled meats, or roasted and steamed vegetables for variety.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 422 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 422kcal | 21% |
| Carbohydrates | 47g | 16% |
| Protein | 14g | 28% |
| Fat | 20g | 31% |
| Saturated Fat | 12g | 60% |
| Cholesterol | 53mg | 18% |
| Sodium | 626mg | 26% |
| Potassium | 299mg | 6% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 2g | 4% |
| Vitamin A | 574IU | 11% |
| Vitamin C | 8mg | 9% |
| Calcium | 237mg | 24% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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