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Creamy Lemon Garlic Fettuccine

A bright and luscious pasta dish with zesty lemon, fresh herbs, and a rich garlic cream sauce—perfectly clinging to silky fettuccine strands for an elegant yet easy meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz fettuccine
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tbsp lemon zest
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
  • Optional: red pepper flakes for heat
  • Lemon slices for garnish

Instructions

  1. Cook the fettuccine in salted boiling water according to package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain.
  2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
  4. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Add salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
  5. Toss in the cooked fettuccine, stirring to coat evenly. If needed, add a splash of pasta water to loosen the sauce.
  6. Stir in chopped parsley and serve immediately, garnished with a slice of lemon and more black pepper.

Notes

  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and melting.
  • Add grilled chicken or shrimp for a heartier meal.
  • Adjust lemon juice to taste for more or less tanginess.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon garlic pasta, creamy fettuccine, easy pasta recipe, lemon cream sauce, vegetarian pasta