5 from 98 votes
Creamy Lemon Pasta
This creamy lemon pasta features angel hair pasta cooked in a garlic-butter sauce enriched with chicken broth and half and half, finished with Parmesan cheese and fresh lemon juice. The result is a bright, creamy dish with a delicate texture and subtle acidity. Optional capers add a tangy note, and the pasta’s thin strands absorb the sauce well for a smooth finish.
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
20 mins
Servings:
4
Calories:
422 kcal
Course:
Main Course
Cuisine:
Italian, American
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.
Cup of Yum
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
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%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 4 Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 422
% 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.