Name: Creamy Lemon Garlic Pasta – Quick and Easy Recipes for Busy Nights
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 8 oz spaghetti or fettuccine; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; Zest and juice of 1 lemon; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Salt and black pepper, to taste; Chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)

Jump to Recipe

I’ve got a soft spot for pasta—especially the kind that comes together in under 20 minutes, tastes like something from a little Italian café, and somehow makes you feel like you’ve got it all together. This creamy lemon garlic pasta does exactly that. It’s comforting, but not heavy. Bright, but still rich. And if your pantry’s got garlic, pasta, lemon, and cream, you’re already halfway there. One evening, I threw this together while balancing a cranky toddler on one hip and sipping the last of the white wine I’d planned to cook with. The result? Pure gold. It’s the sort of meal that tricks people into thinking you worked some magic, when in reality, you were just winging it with what was left in the fridge. This recipe is a total go-to for nights when I want something warm, fast, and totally fuss-free. If I can pull it off mid-chaos, so can you. Let’s cook.

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy Creamy Lemon Garlic Pasta Recipe
3) Ingredients for Creamy Lemon Garlic Pasta
4) How to Make Creamy Lemon Garlic Pasta
5) Tips for Making Creamy Lemon Garlic Pasta
6) Making Creamy Lemon Garlic Pasta Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover Creamy Lemon Garlic Pasta
8) Try these Dinners next!
9) Creamy Lemon Garlic Pasta
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

This quick and easy recipe takes less than 20 minutes.
It uses pantry staples and fresh lemon to build flavor fast.
You can customize it with veggies, protein, or vegan swaps.
The sauce is creamy, garlicky, and bright with citrus.

2) Easy Creamy Lemon Garlic Pasta Recipe

If you’ve ever stared at your pantry wondering how you’re going to pull dinner together with half a lemon and a few cloves of garlic, I’ve got you. This creamy lemon garlic pasta recipe isn’t just quick—it’s a weeknight lifesaver. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you’ll have a dish that tastes way fancier than it looks. Plus, it’s fast. Like “boil pasta while the sauce comes together” fast.

I first made this while trying to clean out my fridge before a grocery run. No plan, no recipe, just garlic, lemon, and cream calling my name. And it worked. The lemon cuts through the cream with a clean brightness, the garlic brings depth, and Parmesan brings it all home with a salty kick. Pair that with perfectly cooked pasta, and you’ve got something that hits every note.

This fits perfectly into the world of quick and easy recipes. Whether you’re cooking for one or trying to please picky eaters, this pasta covers it. Add grilled chicken or shrimp if you’re hungry. Or roasted veggies if you’re cleaning out the fridge. It’s that kind of flexible.

3) Ingredients for Creamy Lemon Garlic Pasta

8 oz spaghetti or fettuccine: Pick your favorite long noodle. I like fettuccine because it holds onto that creamy lemon sauce just right, but spaghetti or linguine works well too.

3 tablespoons unsalted butter: This is our flavor starter. It melts into the garlic and gives the sauce its velvety base.

4 cloves garlic, minced: You want bold, punchy garlic flavor here. If garlic’s your love language, go big.

1 cup heavy cream: This adds that dreamy richness without overwhelming the lemon. No cream? Half-and-half works too.

Zest and juice of 1 lemon: This is the key. The zest gives you brightness, the juice gives you a pop. Use fresh, not bottled.

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Parmesan helps thicken the sauce and gives it a little bite. Freshly grated is best if you can swing it.

Salt and black pepper, to taste: Don’t skip seasoning—it’s what ties everything together.

Chopped parsley (optional): A sprinkle of green on top makes it feel finished. Plus, it adds a little freshness.

4) How to Make Creamy Lemon Garlic Pasta

Step 1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Toss in your pasta and cook it to al dente—just firm enough to bite without sticking to your teeth.

Step 2. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, toss in the minced garlic. Let it cook for about 2 minutes until fragrant. Don’t let it brown.

Step 3. Pour in the cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Keep stirring while it thickens a little. This is when it starts to smell amazing.

Step 4. Stir in the lemon zest and juice. Then add the Parmesan. Keep stirring until the cheese melts into the sauce. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 5. Add the drained pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together until the noodles are fully coated.

Step 6. Plate it up and, if you’re feeling it, sprinkle with parsley and a bit more Parmesan. Done.

5) Tips for Making Creamy Lemon Garlic Pasta

Keep an eye on your pasta. If you overcook it, the texture turns soft and the sauce won’t cling as well. Aim for al dente and drain it just before it’s done cooking.

Use fresh garlic and lemon. You can taste the difference. Pre-chopped garlic from a jar won’t give you the same sharp, toasty flavor. And lemon juice from a bottle doesn’t quite cut it.

This is one of those quick and easy recipes that you can tweak. Add spinach, peas, or roasted broccolini for something green. Stir in a spoon of cream cheese to thicken it more. You can even swap the cream for a plant-based alternative if you’re aiming for vegan easy recipes.

6) Making Creamy Lemon Garlic Pasta Ahead of Time

Making this ahead? Totally works. You can prep the sauce earlier in the day and reheat it gently when ready to serve. Just don’t let it boil or it might separate.

The pasta, too, holds up well. Undercook it slightly and toss it in a bit of olive oil so it doesn’t clump. When you’re ready, combine it with the warm sauce and give it a toss. You’ll have dinner on the table in minutes.

This one’s also great for meal prep. Divide it into portions and refrigerate. It’s perfect for quick evening snacks easy recipes that feel like real meals.

7) Storing Leftover Creamy Lemon Garlic Pasta

Pop any leftovers into an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to four days. The sauce might thicken, but a splash of cream or milk brings it back to life.

Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Stir well, and you’re good to go. It’s one of those bread easy recipes that you’ll find yourself craving the next day.

And yes, it actually tastes better after a night in the fridge. Something about the garlic and lemon settling into the pasta… it just works.

8) Try these Dinners next!

9) Creamy Lemon Garlic Pasta