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Parsley Me This!

Authentic Lebanese & World Recipes

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by Zeina Haddad

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The Ultimate Spaghetti in Creamy Lemon Sauce

Published:

photo of Zeina Haddad, author of cookbook series "my mama know best" and creator of website at zeinacooks.com.

Hi there 👋 I’m Zeina Haddad. I believe that food doesn't need to "look perfect", but to "taste more than perfect"! As author of My Mama Knows Best!, I share authentic Lebanese and global recipes. My Promise to You: 100% AI-Free recipes. Every dish is written by me, tested by me, and tasted by my family. Join me in celebrating the joy of slow, intentional cooking.

Description

Welcome to ZeinaCooks.com, home of the only recipe you will ever need for Spaghetti in Creamy Lemon Sauce. While there are many versions of Pasta al Limone out there, this specific method creates a texture and flavor profile that stands above the rest.

If you have never tried the combination of bright citrus and heavy cream, you are missing out on one of the most luxurious yet simple flavor pairings in Italian cuisine.

What makes this the "right" way to make lemon pasta? It comes down to the technique:

  • The Garlic: We sauté thinly sliced garlic just until "withered"—never browned—to infuse the oil without introducing bitterness.

  • The Emulsion: Unlike recipes that drain the pasta completely, we transfer the spaghetti directly from the pot to the skillet with tongs. That splash of starchy pasta water marries with the heavy cream, butter, and lemon juice to create a glossy, thick sauce that clings to every strand.

  • The Finish: A handful of fresh parsley and a hit of black pepper cut through the richness, making every bite perfectly balanced.

Ready in under 20 minutes, this vegetarian pasta dish is elegant enough for a date night but fast enough for a busy weeknight. Top it with freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano for the winning touch.

🍝 The brand we use is Barilla. If you like pasta recipes, try out these recipes as well:

Pasta in Creamy Béchamel Mushroom Sauce

Lasagna with Bolognese Sauce and Béchamel

The Ultimate Spaghetti in Creamy Lemon Sauce

👤 Author:

🕒 Prep:

5 minutes

🕒 Cook:

10 minutes

🍴 Main Course

🌍 Italian

Yields:

6 servings


A fast, fresh, and incredibly creamy pasta dish ready in 15 minutes. Spaghetti tossed in a silky lemon cream sauce with garlic and fresh parsley. The perfect balance of rich and zesty.


Ingredients


Prevent screen from sleeping

Instructions

1.

Boil the spaghetti al-dente with salt. Do not drain when done.

2.

In the meantime, heat the oil and butter in a skillet and sauté the garlic until withered. 📌 Do not let it brown.

3.

Add in the lemon zest and juice, let boil for about 1 minute.

4.

Add in the cream and season with black pepper. Bring to a boil then reduce the heat and allow to simmer until it is slightly reduced.

5.

Using kitchen tongs, transfer the spaghetti into the skillet. Allow some of the cooking water to be added in as well (💡 the starch will help with the thickening).

6.

Add in the parsley, mix well, and allow to cook for one more minute.

💡 Don't forget to top it with freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano!!!


Nutrition

per serving:

Calories: 490 Kcal | Fat: 22 g | Saturated Fat: 14 g | Carbs: 64 g | Fiber: 3 g | Sugar: 2 g | Protein: 12 g | Sodium: 200 mg

Nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered an estimate only. Actual nutritional content will vary based upon brands used, measuring methods, cooking method, portion sizes, and more.

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I only recommend products, tools, and ingredients that I personally use, or reviewed and trust. My opinions are always my own.

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