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One Pot Pasta Recipes Creamy Lemon Pasta for Dinner

When I think about comfort food, this creamy lemon pasta always finds its way to the top of my list. It’s got that silky texture we crave after a long day, paired with the bright zing of fresh lemon. The magic here is that it’s part of those one pot pasta recipes we all secretly adore. No mountains of dirty dishes—just one pot, one dreamy meal. I’ve tried my fair share of lemon pasta recipes over the years, and this one feels like the one that sticks. It straddles the line between rich and refreshing, which isn’t easy to pull off. The sauce clings to the noodles like they were meant for each other, and every forkful reminds me why I keep this dish on repeat. What I love most is how it checks so many boxes: it’s the kind of creamy pasta recipe that feels indulgent without being over the top, it works as a weeknight rescue when you’re too tired to fuss, and honestly, it makes me look like I’ve got it all together. Whether you’re calling it a lemon pasta recipe or slotting it under your One Pot Pasta Meals, it’s a keeper. Some folks call it easy creamy pasta recipes—I just call it dinner.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: creamy pasta recipes, easy creamy pasta recipes, lemon pasta recipe, lemon pasta recipes, One Pot Pasta Meals, one pot pasta recipes
Servings: 4 servings
Author: Elena

Ingredients

  • 12 oz spaghetti or linguine
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Juice and zest of 2 lemons
  • 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot to medium heat and add olive oil.
  2. Sauté garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  3. Add broth, cream, lemon juice, and zest. Stir until combined.
  4. Add the pasta straight into the pot and simmer, stirring often, until pasta is cooked and sauce thickens.
  5. Stir in Parmesan until creamy and smooth.
  6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.