0 from 18 votes
Easy Lemon Pasta Recipe
A fresh tangy pasta recipe that is ready in less than 20 minutes.
Prep Time
2 mins
Cook Time
2 mins
Servings: 4
Calories: 700 kcal
Course:
Dinner
Cuisine:
Italian , American
Ingredients
Stovetop version
- 1 pound (450g) spaghetti
- 3 tablespoons oil
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 2 lemons juice from both
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream optional
- ⅔ cup (60g) Parmesan cheese grated
- salt and pepper to taste
Instant Pot Version
- 2 ½ cups (590ml) vegetable or chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 8 ounces (225g) spaghetti or other pasta
- 1 lemon juice from, or more to taste
- ¼ cup (60ml) heavy whipping cream
- ½ cup (45g) grated parmesan
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Add Stovetop Version
- Cook the pasta in salted water till slightly al dente, drain but reserve ½ cup of pasta water.
- Heat olive oil over medium heat, add in garlic puree and cook for 30 seconds till fragrant.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the pasta, pasta water, lemon juice, lemon zest and cream and mix till cheese is melted and sauce is creamy then switch off the heat.
- Season with salt and pepper, garnish with chopped parsley and serve.
Cup of Yum
Instant Pot Version
- Pour broth into Instant Pot insert, then the pasta, olive oil and garlic.
- Close the lid and turn the vent to sealing position. Set the Instant Pot to pressure cook or manual at high pressure for 5 minutes.
- Cook till done, then allow for a natural pressure release (NPR) of 4 minutes before performing a quick release to let out remaining steam.
- Open lid, stir in the remaining ingredients till the cheese is melted, season to taste let stand for a few minutes and serve.
Notes
- Make sure to salt your pasta cooking water well so the pasta starts with great flavor.
- Garlic burns rather easily so keep an eye on this when frying the garlic.
- For the Instant Pot version, make sure the pasta is submerged.
- Add more lemon juice or lemon zest to your taste.
- Add a little bit of butter for a richer taste.
- You can use sliced garlic instead of garlic puree if you prefer.
- Add other spices and herbs like red pepper flakes and Italian seasoning.
- Add nuts like pine nuts, greens like baby spinach and kale.
- Make it vegan - Use vegan cheese instead of Parmesan.
- Topping Ideas - Lemon noodles got great with arugula, tomatoes, shredded chicken etc.
Nutrition Information
Calories
700kcal
(35%)
Carbohydrates
92g
(31%)
Protein
23g
(46%)
Fat
28g
(43%)
Saturated Fat
12g
(60%)
Cholesterol
55mg
(18%)
Sodium
275mg
(11%)
Potassium
383mg
(11%)
Fiber
5g
(20%)
Sugar
5g
(10%)
Vitamin A
594IU
(12%)
Vitamin C
30mg
(33%)
Calcium
248mg
(25%)
Iron
2mg
(11%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 700
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 700kcal | 35% |
| Carbohydrates | 92g | 31% |
| Protein | 23g | 46% |
| Fat | 28g | 43% |
| Saturated Fat | 12g | 60% |
| Cholesterol | 55mg | 18% |
| Sodium | 275mg | 11% |
| Potassium | 383mg | 8% |
| Fiber | 5g | 20% |
| Sugar | 5g | 10% |
| Vitamin A | 594IU | 12% |
| Vitamin C | 30mg | 33% |
| Calcium | 248mg | 25% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.