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Creamy Lemon Garlic Pasta One Pot Easy Recipe

by on September 19, 2025
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Looking for a quick and tasty meal? Try my Creamy Lemon Garlic Pasta, cooked in one pot! This easy recipe combines flavorful garlic, zesty lemon, and rich cream for a dish that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re a busy parent or a cooking novice, this pasta dish is simple and delicious. Let’s dive into the ingredients and steps to create your new favorite dinner!

- 12 oz fettuccine or spaghetti - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - Zest of 1 lemon - Juice of 2 lemons - 1 cup vegetable broth - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish Gather these ingredients before you start cooking. The fettuccine or spaghetti forms the base of the dish. Olive oil adds richness and flavor. Minced garlic gives that great aroma. Lemon zest and juice will brighten everything up. Next, you need vegetable broth to cook the pasta. Heavy cream makes the sauce rich and smooth. Parmesan cheese adds a savory touch. For seasoning, red pepper flakes give a bit of heat, but you can skip them if you want. Salt and pepper enhance all the flavors. Fresh parsley adds a nice pop of color and freshness as a garnish. These simple ingredients come together for a creamy, delicious meal in just one pot! 1. Start by heating 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. 2. Add 4 cloves of minced garlic and, if you like heat, a teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes until the garlic smells fragrant but not browned. 3. Next, stir in the zest of one lemon and the juice of two lemons. Mix well to blend the flavors. 1. Now, add 12 ounces of uncooked fettuccine or spaghetti to the pot. 2. Pour in 1 cup of vegetable broth and 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir everything together to ensure the pasta is well submerged in the liquid. 3. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil. Then, lower the heat and cover the pot. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and has absorbed most of the liquid. 1. Once the pasta is cooked, take the pot off the heat. Stir in 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until the sauce is creamy and smooth. 2. Taste and adjust with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. 3. Let it sit for a couple of minutes to thicken slightly. Serve it hot, garnished with extra Parmesan, a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley, and a lemon slice for a bright touch. To cook pasta perfectly, use a big pot. Fill it with water and add salt. Bring it to a boil before adding the pasta. Stir it often to avoid sticking. For this recipe, cook the pasta for 10-12 minutes. Check if it’s al dente, which means it should be firm but not hard. If you want a creamier dish, add more heavy cream. You can also let it sit longer after cooking. This helps thicken the sauce. For extra flavor, try adding fresh herbs. Basil or thyme can add a nice touch. You can also use dried herbs if you don't have fresh ones. If you like spice, increase the red pepper flakes. Start with a little, then taste and add more if needed. Presentation matters, so serve the pasta in nice bowls. Top it with extra Parmesan cheese for a rich look. Adding a sprinkle of parsley gives it color. You can also add a lemon slice on the side. It looks great and adds flavor when squeezed on top. Enjoy your beautiful, creamy lemon garlic pasta! {{image_2}} For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer great taste and texture. You can find rice or corn-based pasta at most stores. If you want a vegan twist, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream. These will still give you that rich, creamy texture. Add protein to make your meal heartier. Cooked chicken, shrimp, or even tofu work well. Just toss them in with the pasta to heat through. You can also add fresh vegetables. Spinach and peas are great choices. They add color, flavor, and nutrition. Just stir them in during the last few minutes of cooking. Serve your creamy lemon garlic pasta with a light side salad. A mix of greens and a simple vinaigrette works well. For drinks, pair this dish with a chilled white wine. Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio will enhance the lemon flavor. Enjoy! To store leftovers, let the pasta cool down first. Then, place it in an airtight container. Make sure to seal it tightly to keep it fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, use a skillet for the best results. Add a splash of water or broth to help it heat evenly. Stir gently to avoid sticking. You can also use the microwave, but cover it to keep moisture in. Yes, you can freeze creamy pasta! Just make sure it cools completely before freezing. Use a freezer-safe container and leave some space for expansion. It can last up to two months in the freezer. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight. When ready to eat, reheat in a pot over low heat. Add a bit of cream or broth to restore the creamy texture. In the fridge, creamy lemon garlic pasta lasts about three days. If you see any mold or notice an off smell, it’s best to throw it away. Always trust your senses when checking food safety. How long does it take to make creamy lemon garlic pasta? It takes about 25 minutes to make creamy lemon garlic pasta. You’ll spend 10 minutes prepping the ingredients and 15 minutes cooking. Can I make it ahead of time? Yes, you can make it ahead of time. Just cook the pasta and sauce, then store it in the fridge. Reheat it gently when ready to serve. What can I use instead of heavy cream? You can use half-and-half or coconut cream instead of heavy cream. These will give you a creamy texture without being too heavy. Is there a substitute for Parmesan cheese? Yes, you can use nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option. Grated Pecorino Romano also works well if you want a different flavor. Can I cook pasta in the sauce? Yes, you can cook pasta in the sauce. This method helps the pasta absorb all the flavors as it cooks. Just ensure there’s enough liquid. How do I prevent the pasta from getting mushy? To prevent mushy pasta, cook it until it’s al dente. Stir it occasionally while cooking to keep it from sticking together. You learned how to make creamy lemon garlic pasta with simple steps and fresh ingredients. We explored cooking tips, flavor variations, and storage options to enhance your meal. You can adjust the recipe to fit your taste, whether adding veggies or changing the pasta type. Remember to store leftovers properly for the best freshness. Enjoy making this dish and impressing your friends and family with your skills. Happy cooking!

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

– 12 oz fettuccine or spaghetti

– 3 tablespoons olive oil

– 4 cloves garlic, minced

– Zest of 1 lemon

– Juice of 2 lemons

Additional Ingredients

– 1 cup vegetable broth

– 1 cup heavy cream

– 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Seasoning and Garnish

– 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

– Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste

– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Gather these ingredients before you start cooking. The fettuccine or spaghetti forms the base of the dish. Olive oil adds richness and flavor. Minced garlic gives that great aroma. Lemon zest and juice will brighten everything up.

Next, you need vegetable broth to cook the pasta. Heavy cream makes the sauce rich and smooth. Parmesan cheese adds a savory touch.

For seasoning, red pepper flakes give a bit of heat, but you can skip them if you want. Salt and pepper enhance all the flavors. Fresh parsley adds a nice pop of color and freshness as a garnish.

These simple ingredients come together for a creamy, delicious meal in just one pot!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation Steps

1. Start by heating 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

2. Add 4 cloves of minced garlic and, if you like heat, a teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes until the garlic smells fragrant but not browned.

3. Next, stir in the zest of one lemon and the juice of two lemons. Mix well to blend the flavors.

Cooking the Pasta

1. Now, add 12 ounces of uncooked fettuccine or spaghetti to the pot.

2. Pour in 1 cup of vegetable broth and 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir everything together to ensure the pasta is well submerged in the liquid.

3. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil. Then, lower the heat and cover the pot. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and has absorbed most of the liquid.

Finishing Touches

1. Once the pasta is cooked, take the pot off the heat. Stir in 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until the sauce is creamy and smooth.

2. Taste and adjust with salt and freshly cracked black pepper.

3. Let it sit for a couple of minutes to thicken slightly. Serve it hot, garnished with extra Parmesan, a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley, and a lemon slice for a bright touch.

Tips & Tricks

Cooking Tips

To cook pasta perfectly, use a big pot. Fill it with water and add salt. Bring it to a boil before adding the pasta. Stir it often to avoid sticking. For this recipe, cook the pasta for 10-12 minutes. Check if it’s al dente, which means it should be firm but not hard.

If you want a creamier dish, add more heavy cream. You can also let it sit longer after cooking. This helps thicken the sauce.

Flavor Enhancements

For extra flavor, try adding fresh herbs. Basil or thyme can add a nice touch. You can also use dried herbs if you don’t have fresh ones.

If you like spice, increase the red pepper flakes. Start with a little, then taste and add more if needed.

Plating Suggestions

Presentation matters, so serve the pasta in nice bowls. Top it with extra Parmesan cheese for a rich look. Adding a sprinkle of parsley gives it color.

You can also add a lemon slice on the side. It looks great and adds flavor when squeezed on top. Enjoy your beautiful, creamy lemon garlic pasta!

Variations

Ingredient Swaps

For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer great taste and texture. You can find rice or corn-based pasta at most stores.

If you want a vegan twist, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream. These will still give you that rich, creamy texture.

Flavor Variations

Add protein to make your meal heartier. Cooked chicken, shrimp, or even tofu work well. Just toss them in with the pasta to heat through.

You can also add fresh vegetables. Spinach and peas are great choices. They add color, flavor, and nutrition. Just stir them in during the last few minutes of cooking.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your creamy lemon garlic pasta with a light side salad. A mix of greens and a simple vinaigrette works well.

For drinks, pair this dish with a chilled white wine. Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio will enhance the lemon flavor. Enjoy!

Storage Info

Refrigeration

To store leftovers, let the pasta cool down first. Then, place it in an airtight container. Make sure to seal it tightly to keep it fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days.

When reheating, use a skillet for the best results. Add a splash of water or broth to help it heat evenly. Stir gently to avoid sticking. You can also use the microwave, but cover it to keep moisture in.

Freezing Options

Yes, you can freeze creamy pasta! Just make sure it cools completely before freezing. Use a freezer-safe container and leave some space for expansion. It can last up to two months in the freezer.

To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight. When ready to eat, reheat in a pot over low heat. Add a bit of cream or broth to restore the creamy texture.

Shelf Life

In the fridge, creamy lemon garlic pasta lasts about three days. If you see any mold or notice an off smell, it’s best to throw it away. Always trust your senses when checking food safety.

FAQs

Common Questions

How long does it take to make creamy lemon garlic pasta?

It takes about 25 minutes to make creamy lemon garlic pasta. You’ll spend 10 minutes prepping the ingredients and 15 minutes cooking.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes, you can make it ahead of time. Just cook the pasta and sauce, then store it in the fridge. Reheat it gently when ready to serve.

Ingredient Substitutions

What can I use instead of heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or coconut cream instead of heavy cream. These will give you a creamy texture without being too heavy.

Is there a substitute for Parmesan cheese?

Yes, you can use nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option. Grated Pecorino Romano also works well if you want a different flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Can I cook pasta in the sauce?

Yes, you can cook pasta in the sauce. This method helps the pasta absorb all the flavors as it cooks. Just ensure there’s enough liquid.

How do I prevent the pasta from getting mushy?

To prevent mushy pasta, cook it until it’s al dente. Stir it occasionally while cooking to keep it from sticking together.

You learned how to make creamy lemon garlic pasta with simple steps and fresh ingredients. We explored cooking tips, flavor variations, and storage options to enhance your meal. You can adjust the recipe to fit your taste, whether adding veggies or changing the pasta type. Remember to store leftovers properly for the best freshness. Enjoy making this dish and impressing your friends and family with your skills. Happy cooking!

- 12 oz fettuccine or spaghetti - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - Zest of 1 lemon - Juice of 2 lemons - 1 cup vegetable broth - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish Gather these ingredients before you start cooking. The fettuccine or spaghetti forms the base of the dish. Olive oil adds richness and flavor. Minced garlic gives that great aroma. Lemon zest and juice will brighten everything up. Next, you need vegetable broth to cook the pasta. Heavy cream makes the sauce rich and smooth. Parmesan cheese adds a savory touch. For seasoning, red pepper flakes give a bit of heat, but you can skip them if you want. Salt and pepper enhance all the flavors. Fresh parsley adds a nice pop of color and freshness as a garnish. These simple ingredients come together for a creamy, delicious meal in just one pot! 1. Start by heating 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. 2. Add 4 cloves of minced garlic and, if you like heat, a teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes until the garlic smells fragrant but not browned. 3. Next, stir in the zest of one lemon and the juice of two lemons. Mix well to blend the flavors. 1. Now, add 12 ounces of uncooked fettuccine or spaghetti to the pot. 2. Pour in 1 cup of vegetable broth and 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir everything together to ensure the pasta is well submerged in the liquid. 3. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil. Then, lower the heat and cover the pot. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and has absorbed most of the liquid. 1. Once the pasta is cooked, take the pot off the heat. Stir in 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until the sauce is creamy and smooth. 2. Taste and adjust with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. 3. Let it sit for a couple of minutes to thicken slightly. Serve it hot, garnished with extra Parmesan, a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley, and a lemon slice for a bright touch. To cook pasta perfectly, use a big pot. Fill it with water and add salt. Bring it to a boil before adding the pasta. Stir it often to avoid sticking. For this recipe, cook the pasta for 10-12 minutes. Check if it’s al dente, which means it should be firm but not hard. If you want a creamier dish, add more heavy cream. You can also let it sit longer after cooking. This helps thicken the sauce. For extra flavor, try adding fresh herbs. Basil or thyme can add a nice touch. You can also use dried herbs if you don't have fresh ones. If you like spice, increase the red pepper flakes. Start with a little, then taste and add more if needed. Presentation matters, so serve the pasta in nice bowls. Top it with extra Parmesan cheese for a rich look. Adding a sprinkle of parsley gives it color. You can also add a lemon slice on the side. It looks great and adds flavor when squeezed on top. Enjoy your beautiful, creamy lemon garlic pasta! {{image_2}} For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer great taste and texture. You can find rice or corn-based pasta at most stores. If you want a vegan twist, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream. These will still give you that rich, creamy texture. Add protein to make your meal heartier. Cooked chicken, shrimp, or even tofu work well. Just toss them in with the pasta to heat through. You can also add fresh vegetables. Spinach and peas are great choices. They add color, flavor, and nutrition. Just stir them in during the last few minutes of cooking. Serve your creamy lemon garlic pasta with a light side salad. A mix of greens and a simple vinaigrette works well. For drinks, pair this dish with a chilled white wine. Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio will enhance the lemon flavor. Enjoy! To store leftovers, let the pasta cool down first. Then, place it in an airtight container. Make sure to seal it tightly to keep it fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, use a skillet for the best results. Add a splash of water or broth to help it heat evenly. Stir gently to avoid sticking. You can also use the microwave, but cover it to keep moisture in. Yes, you can freeze creamy pasta! Just make sure it cools completely before freezing. Use a freezer-safe container and leave some space for expansion. It can last up to two months in the freezer. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight. When ready to eat, reheat in a pot over low heat. Add a bit of cream or broth to restore the creamy texture. In the fridge, creamy lemon garlic pasta lasts about three days. If you see any mold or notice an off smell, it’s best to throw it away. Always trust your senses when checking food safety. How long does it take to make creamy lemon garlic pasta? It takes about 25 minutes to make creamy lemon garlic pasta. You’ll spend 10 minutes prepping the ingredients and 15 minutes cooking. Can I make it ahead of time? Yes, you can make it ahead of time. Just cook the pasta and sauce, then store it in the fridge. Reheat it gently when ready to serve. What can I use instead of heavy cream? You can use half-and-half or coconut cream instead of heavy cream. These will give you a creamy texture without being too heavy. Is there a substitute for Parmesan cheese? Yes, you can use nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option. Grated Pecorino Romano also works well if you want a different flavor. Can I cook pasta in the sauce? Yes, you can cook pasta in the sauce. This method helps the pasta absorb all the flavors as it cooks. Just ensure there’s enough liquid. How do I prevent the pasta from getting mushy? To prevent mushy pasta, cook it until it’s al dente. Stir it occasionally while cooking to keep it from sticking together. You learned how to make creamy lemon garlic pasta with simple steps and fresh ingredients. We explored cooking tips, flavor variations, and storage options to enhance your meal. You can adjust the recipe to fit your taste, whether adding veggies or changing the pasta type. Remember to store leftovers properly for the best freshness. Enjoy making this dish and impressing your friends and family with your skills. Happy cooking!

Creamy Lemon Garlic Pasta One Pot

Savor the deliciousness of creamy lemon garlic pasta made in just one pot! This easy recipe features fettuccine coated in a luscious sauce of garlic, zesty lemon, and rich Parmesan cheese, all cooked to perfection in under 30 minutes. Perfect for a quick dinner, this dish will impress your family and friends. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your mealtime with this delightful dish!
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Ingredients
  

12 oz fettuccine or spaghetti

3 tablespoons olive oil

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Zest of 1 lemon

Juice of 2 lemons

1 cup vegetable broth

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions
 

In a large pot or deep skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.

    Stir in the lemon zest and lemon juice, mixing to combine.

      Add the uncooked fettuccine (or spaghetti) to the pot, followed by the vegetable broth and heavy cream. Stir everything together to ensure the pasta is submerged in the liquid.

        Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and has absorbed most of the liquid.

          Once the pasta is cooked, remove the pot from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until creamy and smooth, adjusting the salt and pepper to taste.

            Let it sit for a couple of minutes until it thickens slightly, then serve immediately.

              - Presentation Tips: Serve the creamy pasta in bowls, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese, a sprinkle of parsley, and a lemon slice for a vibrant touch.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 minutes | 25 minutes | 4 servings