Quick & Healthy Creamy Lemon Garlic Pasta

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Craving a quick and tasty meal? You’ll love this creamy lemon garlic pasta! It’s ready in just 15 minutes and uses simple ingredients you probably have in your kitchen right now. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.

The zesty lemon and garlic flavors make this pasta light and refreshing. It’s creamy without being heavy, so you can enjoy it guilt-free. You can easily customize it by adding your favorite protein or veggies. Get ready to make this your new go-to pasta recipe!

Exact Ingredients (+ Possible Substitutes)

Here’s what you’ll need to make this creamy lemon garlic pasta:

• 8 oz spaghetti (or your favorite pasta shape)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1/2 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Don’t have all the ingredients? Try these swaps:

• Use linguine or fettuccine instead of spaghetti
• Swap olive oil for butter
• Replace fresh garlic with 1 tsp garlic powder
• Use lemon juice from a bottle if you don’t have fresh lemons
• Try nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a vegan option

Want to add some veggies? Toss in spinach or peas for extra nutrition.

For a protein boost, add cooked chicken, shrimp, or white beans.

Remember, cooking is all about making it work for you. Feel free to adjust amounts to suit your taste!

Instructions

Cook pasta in a large pot of salted water until al dente. Save 1 cup of pasta water before draining.

While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring often.

Whisk in lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Pour in some milk or cream and bring to a gentle simmer.

Add butter and grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce. Stir until melted and creamy.

Toss the cooked pasta with the lemon garlic sauce. Add splashes of pasta water if needed to thin the sauce.

Sprinkle with extra Parmesan and chopped parsley. Give it a final squeeze of lemon juice for extra zing.

Serve your creamy lemon garlic pasta right away while it’s hot and saucy. Enjoy your quick and tasty meal!

Tips, Tricks & Storing

Want to make the best lemon garlic pasta? Here are some handy tips:

Use fresh lemon juice for the brightest flavor. Bottled juice won’t taste as good.

Save some pasta water before draining. This starchy liquid helps the sauce stick to the noodles.

Don’t overcook the garlic. It can turn bitter if browned too much. Cook it just until fragrant.

Try adding extra veggies like spinach or peas for more nutrition and color.

To store leftovers, put them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay good for 3-4 days.

When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Warm it gently on the stove or in short bursts in the microwave.

For a quick lunch, enjoy this pasta cold as a pasta salad. Just toss with some fresh herbs before serving.

Freeze portions for later if you make too much. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.