Looking for a new (light) dinner idea?   Try this simple and delicious lemon pasta – a delightful combination of creamy and tangy flavors, and it’s perfect for a quick and comforting meal.

Ingredients:

  • 8 ounces (225g) linguine or any pasta of your choice
  • 2-3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream (you can use half-and-half for a lighter option)
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

  1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
  2. Make the lemon sauce: In a large skillet or saucepan, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
  3. Add the cream and lemon zest: Pour the heavy cream into the skillet and stir it with the garlic. Add the lemon zest to infuse the cream with lemon flavor. Let it simmer gently for about 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.
  4. Add lemon juice and Parmesan cheese: Squeeze the juice of one lemon into the cream sauce and stir it in. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and mix until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Combine the pasta and sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the lemon sauce. Toss the pasta gently to coat it evenly with the sauce.
  6. Garnish and serve: Remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish the lemon pasta with some chopped fresh parsley for added freshness and color.
  7. Serve immediately while it’s hot and enjoy!

Feel free to add some grilled chicken or shrimp if you’d like to make it a heartier dish. Enjoy!