Lemon Butter Pasta Sauce

Elevate your pasta nights with this luscious Lemon Butter Pasta Sauce, a zesty and creamy delight that’s ready in just 15 minutes! This decadent sauce combines the silky richness of melted unsalted butter and heavy cream with the bright, citrusy pop of freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest. Infused with the fragrant warmth of sautéed garlic and finished with a touch of grated Parmesan cheese, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between indulgence and freshness. Perfect for pairing with any pasta, it clings beautifully to every strand, enhanced by a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for a vibrant garnish. Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight dinner or an elegant meal to impress guests, this versatile lemon butter sauce is sure to become a favorite.

Nutriscore Rating: 42/100

Prep Time:5 mins

Cook Time:10 mins

Total Time:15 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 0.5 cups heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 0.25 cups grated Parmesan cheese
• 0.5 teaspoons salt
• 0.25 teaspoons ground black pepper
• 0.25 cups pasta water
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

In a medium skillet, melt the butter over medium heat until it begins to foam.

Step 2

Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.

Step 3

Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring continuously to create a smooth sauce base.

Step 4

Reduce the heat to low, then add the freshly squeezed lemon juice and lemon zest. Stir well.

Step 5

Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper, and continue to stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.

Step 6

If the sauce is too thick, add the reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the desired consistency.

Step 7

Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary.

Step 8

Toss your cooked pasta in the lemon butter sauce, ensuring every strand is coated.

Step 9

Serve immediately, garnished with freshly chopped parsley if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(335.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1120.7

Total Fat 118.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 70.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.0g
Cholesterol 326mg	0%
Sodium 1579.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 7.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 1.2g	0%
Total Sugars 0.9g
Protein 9.7g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 280.3mg	0%
Iron 1.1mg	0%
Potassium 171.0mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 94.1%

Protein: 3.4%

Carbs: 2.5%