What’s better than a home-cooked meal? A home-cooked meal with only ONE pot to clean! I live for that moment of culinary triumph, followed by the dread of a sink full of dishes. That’s why this Lemon Garlic Creamy Pasta is my ultimate weeknight hero. If you love the combination of lemon and garlic, you should definitely try my Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken next.
It delivers restaurant-level flavor with a fraction of the effort and cleanup. We’re talking bright lemon, rich garlic, and a luxuriously smooth sauce that clings to every noodle. All made in a single pot.
This dish is the answer to your “what’s for dinner” panic. It feels indulgent but comes together in about 30 minutes. Your taste buds get a treat, and your future self gets a free pass from scrubbing.
Recipe Overview
Here’s the quick snapshot of what you’re in for. Spoiler: it’s all good news.
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
- Category: Main Course
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4
The Magic of a One-Pot (or One-Pan) Meal
I have a real love-hate relationship with my kitchen sink. One-pot meals are the peace treaty. For this recipe, everything happens in one deep skillet or Dutch oven.
You cook the garlic, simmer the pasta right in the sauce, and finish with cream and cheese. The starch from the pasta thickens the sauce perfectly. This method isn’t just a gimmick; it builds incredible flavor and saves you so much time.
It means no colander to wash, no separate saucepot, and no extra bowls. You go from stovetop to tabletop with minimal fuss. It’s the smartest way to cook a fantastic summer pasta.
All You Need (One Pot & These Ingredients)
Gathering your tools and ingredients is half the battle. I keep this simple on purpose. You’ll need one large pot or deep skillet with a lid.
The ingredient list is straightforward. The magic comes from a few key players: fresh lemon for zest and juice, plenty of garlic, good broth, and a bit of cream. Using linguine noodles is key—their flat shape holds the creamy sauce beautifully. For another simple, lemony pasta dish, my creamy Lemon Ricotta Pasta is a must-try.
Lemon Garlic Creamy Pasta Recipe
The Full Ingredient List
My “Less Mess” Cooking Method (Step-by-Step)
Notes
Enjoy your homemade Lemon Garlic Creamy Pasta Recipe!
Nutrition Information
The Full Ingredient List
- 1 lb linguine noodles
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 6 large cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- Zest and juice of 2 large lemons
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
My “Less Mess” Cooking Method (Step-by-Step)
Follow these steps, and you’ll have dinner ready in a flash. I’ve included my clean-as-you-go tricks.
- Combine and Simmer: In your large pot, break the linguine in half. This makes it easier to stir later. Add the broth, butter, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes. Bring it to a boil over high heat.
- Cook the Pasta: Once boiling, reduce the heat to a steady simmer. Stir frequently to keep the noodles from sticking. Let the pasta cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed. This is your only active cooking time!
- Create the Sauce: Turn the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Let it warm through for 2 minutes. The sauce will thicken up nicely.
- Finish with Cheese: Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan until it melts into a smooth, creamy sauce. Taste it! Now add salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve Immediately: Dish it up, topping each bowl with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan. The pasta waits for no one, especially when it’s this good.
Pro-Tips for Perfect One-Pot Cooking
A few small tricks make a huge difference in your one-pot success. They’re lessons I learned the hard way.
First, use the right size pot. A 5-quart Dutch oven or deep skillet is perfect. It gives the linguine room to move without boiling over. Stir often while the pasta simmers to prevent any stubborn clumps.
Grate your own Parmesan. The pre-grated stuff often has anti-caking agents that can make your sauce grainy. Freshly grated melts like a dream. Finally, add the lemon juice off the heat to keep its bright, fresh flavor.
Storing & Reheating (Easy!)
Leftovers are a beautiful thing. This pasta stores and reheats surprisingly well for a creamy dish.
Let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce will thicken as it chills. To reheat, add a splash of broth or milk to a saucepan with the pasta.
Warm it over low heat, stirring gently, until it’s smooth and hot again. I don’t recommend freezing this one, as the dairy can separate.
Nutrition Notes
This is a rich, comforting dish. Here’s a basic breakdown per serving to help you plan.
- Calories: ~650
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Fat: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and add a handful of fresh spinach or peas with the cream.
Your One-Pot Questions, Answered
I get a few common questions every time I share this recipe. Here are the quick answers.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, but stick to long noodles like fettuccine or spaghetti. Short shapes like penne need more liquid and may not cook as evenly. If you switch, you might need to adjust the broth amount slightly.
My sauce seems too thin. What did I do wrong?
Don’t worry! Just let it simmer for a few more minutes off the heat. The pasta will continue to absorb liquid. You can also stir in an extra handful of Parmesan cheese to help thicken it up quickly.
How can I add protein to this?
This is a great base. For a complete light dinner, try adding pre-cooked shredded chicken, chickpeas, or white beans when you add the cream. Sautéed shrimp tossed in at the end is another fantastic option. For a chicken recipe that’s packed with flavor, my Honey Garlic Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs would be perfect to slice and add in.
And there you have it. A dinner that tastes like you spent hours, but only leaves you with one pot to deal with. It’s the kind of meal that makes a regular Tuesday feel special.
This Lemon Garlic Creamy Pasta is creamy, bright, and utterly satisfying. It proves that you don’t need a pile of dirty dishes to make something truly delicious. Now go enjoy that flavor (and your clean kitchen!).
I’d love to hear how your one-pot adventure turns out! Let me know how it went by leaving a comment and rating below!
