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Meyer Lemon Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.2 from 23 reviews

This Meyer Lemon Pasta is a bright, creamy, and flavorful dish that combines al dente spaghetti with a zesty lemon cream sauce. Infused with fresh garlic, buttery richness, and Parmesan cheese, it offers a perfect balance of tangy and savory flavors in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal weeknight dinner that’s both elegant and easy to prepare.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 12 ounces spaghetti or linguine

Sauce

  • 2 Meyer lemons (zest and juice)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Garnish

  • 1/4 cup chopped parsley
  • Extra Parmesan for serving

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta.
  2. Prepare the Sauce: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil and butter together in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Add Lemon Zest and Juice: Stir in the zest and juice of the Meyer lemons, allowing the mixture to combine and develop flavor.
  4. Add Cream and Cheese: Lower the heat to medium-low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir gently to combine, then add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
  5. Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the drained pasta directly into the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy lemon sauce.
  6. Adjust Sauce Consistency: Gradually add the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, while tossing, until the sauce reaches your preferred consistency—silky and smooth, but not too runny.
  7. Season and Finish: Season the pasta with salt and black pepper to taste. Add extra lemon juice if you wish to enhance the brightness of the dish.
  8. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped parsley and additional Parmesan cheese over the pasta for garnish. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Reserve pasta water to adjust the sauce thickness—it contains starch that helps bind the sauce to the pasta.
  • Use Meyer lemons for a sweeter and less acidic lemon flavor compared to regular lemons.
  • For a spicier kick, keep the red pepper flakes or add more according to your preference.
  • You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, but the texture may be less rich.
  • To make this dish vegetarian, ensure the Parmesan cheese used is free from animal rennet.

Keywords: Meyer lemon pasta, lemon cream pasta, easy pasta recipe, creamy pasta, quick dinner, Italian pasta dish

Find it online: https://foodiecara.com/meyer-lemon-pasta-recipe/