Creamy Lemon Pepper Pasta Recipe

I absolutely adore this recipe because it’s the perfect blend of creamy comfort and zesty freshness, making it feel indulgent yet light at the same time. Plus, with the optional grilled chicken or shrimp, it’s super easy to adapt for a protein-packed meal that’s both satisfying and Instagram-worthy.

The Creamy Lemon Pepper Pasta that I make is a delightful dish of flavor (or, rather, flavors). Silky fettuccine gets its richness (and, really, its flavor) from a sauce comprised of unsalted butter, garlic, and heavy cream (yeesh, that could be a heart attack, but it is oh so good).

The zing of lemon really comes through (and “comes through” it must, if we’re calling this dish what it is). The freshly ground black pepper provides heat without taking over the dish.

And the Parmesan . .

. well, it ties (it really does tie) everything together.

It might as well be a weeknight dinner. Add chicken or shrimp, and make it a protein-dense meal.

Ingredients

Lemon zest and juice: There’s a bright, tangy taste, and the hit of vitamin C is like no other.

Cream in abundance: Delivers opulent creaminess and a pleasingly smooth texture to the sauce.

Pepper Black: Boosts flavor intricacy and serves up anti-inflammatory advantages.

Garlic contributes a rich savoriness and potential cardiovascular perks.

Parmesan cheese provides umami deliciousness and is a top-notch source of calcium.

The healthy fats in olive oil provide richness and enhance texture.

Ingredient Quantities

• 8 ounces of fettuccine or spaghetti
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
• Optional: Grilled chicken or shrimp, for serving

Instructions

1. In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta as per the package instructions until it is al dente. Save 1/2 cup of the water in which the pasta cooked, then pour the pasta into a colander, let it drain, and set it aside.

2. In a big frying pan, over medium heat, combine the butter and olive oil. When melted, add the chopped garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes or until garlic is fragrant and hinting at a mild nutty aroma.

3. The heavy cream should be poured into the skillet, and it should be stirred continuously. It should be allowed to simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until it is slightly thickened.

4. Incorporate into the cream sauce the lemon zest, the lemon juice, the black pepper, and the salt. Stir well to blend all the flavors together.

5. Lower the heat to low and add the grated Parmesan cheese a little at a time, while stirring, until the cheese has melted and you have a nice smooth sauce.

6. The skillet gets the pasta and the creamy lemon pepper sauce. Add the cooked pasta, and then toss it around like a salad—you want the sauce to coat every noodle. If it seems too thick and clumpy, it needs more sauce, so stir in just enough reserved pasta water to get it to the right consistency.

7. Sample the pasta and fine-tune the seasoning if needed, adding more salt or pepper as necessary.

8. Place the pasta in serving bowls or plates, and top with the chopped fresh parsley.

9. Grilled chicken or shrimp may be added as a protein boost on top if desired.

10. Enjoy your creamy lemon pepper pasta right away while the pasta is still warm!

Equipment Needed

1. Large pot
2. Colander
3. Measuring cups
4. Measuring spoons
5. Big frying pan or skillet
6. Cooking spoon or spatula
7. Garlic press or knife (for mincing garlic)
8. Lemon zester or grater
9. Citrus juicer or reamer
10. Cheese grater (for Parmesan)
11. Serving bowls or plates

FAQ

• Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?Fettuccine or spaghetti best hold the creamy sauce, but you can use any type of pasta you like.
• Q: Can I substitute the heavy cream with a lighter option?A: Half-and-half or cream alternatives can be used, but they may affect the flavor and consistency of the sauce.
• Q: How can I make this dish vegetarian?A: The main recipe is vegetarian; if adding protein, just leave out the grilled chicken or shrimp.
• Q: Can I prepare the sauce in advance?A: The sauce is best when it’s fresh, but you can make it a few hours in advance and chill it, then reheat it gently right before serving.
• Q: What can I use as an alternative to Parmesan cheese?Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast can serve as stand-ins, though each will lend a slightly different flavor.
• Q: How can I make it spicier?You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to ramp up the heat.
• Q: Can I add vegetables to this dish?A: Absolutely! Adding vegetables like spinach, peas, or asparagus to this pasta makes for a terrific dish.

Substitutions and Variations

Fettuccine or spaghetti: Any long pasta like linguine or bucatini can be used instead.
Butter without salt: Use butter with salt and correct the extra salt as your palate desires.
Heavy cream: Use half-and-half or a plant-based cream for a lighter substitute.
Parmesan cheese: Substitute with Pecorino Romano or Asiago cheese for a flavorful variation.
Fresh parsley: If you don’t have fresh parsley, you can substitute it with fresh basil or chives and use them as a garnish.

Pro Tips

1. Use Fresh Ingredients Opt for freshly grated Parmesan cheese and fresh lemon juice for the best flavor. Freshly squeezed lemon juice enhances the zestiness, and freshly grated Parmesan will melt better into the sauce.

2. Pasta Water Trick The reserved pasta water is your best ally for adjusting the sauce’s consistency. It not only thins the sauce if necessary but also helps it adhere better to the pasta due to its starch content.

3. Balanced Creaminess To ensure the sauce is not too heavy, consider adding half-and-half instead of heavy cream or mixing them, especially if you prefer a lighter version of the dish.

4. Garlic Infusion Be cautious not to brown the garlic; it should be sautéed just until fragrant. Browning can impart a bitter flavor that may overpower the dish.

5. Parmesan Integration Add the Parmesan cheese gradually to ensure it melts smoothly into the sauce. This helps avoid clumping and ensures a silky texture.