As the last wisps of winter fade away, our taste buds start to crave lighter, brighter flavors that evoke the warmth and vibrancy of spring. And what’s more quintessential to this season than a dish that combines the sweetness of fresh herbs with the tanginess of lemon? The perfect marriage of flavors, creamy lemon pasta recipes are sure to become your new go-to for a quick, satisfying meal. In this article, we’ll take you on a culinary journey through 20 mouthwatering variations that showcase the best of both worlds – from classic combinations like lemon garlic butter and parmesan to innovative pairings like lemon ricotta with spinach.
Lemon Garlic Butter Pasta with Parmesan
This creamy pasta dish combines the brightness of lemon, the richness of butter, and the savory flavor of garlic with the perfect balance of Parmesan cheese.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. pasta of your choice (e.g., spaghetti or linguine)
– 4 tbsp unsalted butter
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
2. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes or until fragrant.
3. Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice.
4. Drain cooked pasta and add it to the saucepan with the lemon-garlic butter mixture. Toss until well coated.
5. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese evenly over the pasta. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with parsley leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Creamy Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Spinach
This creamy pasta dish combines the brightness of lemon zest with the richness of ricotta cheese, all wrapped up with a spinach-filled package. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. pasta (such as spaghetti or fettuccine)
– 1/2 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 tsp dried basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
3. Stir in ricotta cheese, lemon juice, and basil. Bring mixture to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes or until slightly thickened.
4. Add cooked spinach leaves to the skillet and stir until wilted.
5. Combine cooked pasta, ricotta sauce, and reserved pasta water. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Lemon Basil Pasta with Grilled Chicken
Elevate your pasta game with this refreshing and flavorful dish, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend meal.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. pasta of your choice (e.g., spaghetti, linguine)
– 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breast
– 2 lemons, juiced
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Grill for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
2. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
3. In a large skillet, combine olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
4. Add cooked chicken to the skillet and toss with sauce.
5. Toss cooked pasta with reserved pasta water, then add chicken mixture and chopped basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Lemon Shrimp Scampi Pasta
Lemon Shrimp Scampi Pasta Recipe
This recipe combines the brightness of lemon with the sweetness of shrimp and the savory flavor of scampi sauce, all tossed with al dente pasta for a delightful and easy meal.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. pasta (such as linguine or fettuccine)
– 1 lb. large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter
– 2 lemons, juiced
– 1/4 cup white wine (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and cooked through.
4. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside. Reduce heat to medium-low and add lemon juice and white wine (if using). Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
5. Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss with scampi sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Return shrimp to the skillet and toss everything together. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Lemon Asparagus Pasta with Toasted Almonds
Brighten up your dinner table with this refreshing and flavorful pasta dish, featuring tender asparagus, zesty lemon, and crunchy toasted almonds.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. pasta of your choice (e.g., spaghetti or fettuccine)
– 1 lb. fresh asparagus, trimmed
– 2 lemons, juiced (about 2 tbsp.)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/2 cup toasted almonds (see note)
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
2. In a separate pan, heat olive oil over medium-high. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
3. Add asparagus to the pan and cook for 4-5 minutes, or until tender.
4. Stir in lemon juice and season with salt and pepper.
5. Toss cooked pasta with asparagus mixture, then sprinkle toasted almonds on top (see note).
6. Serve warm, topped with Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Note: To toast almonds, preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Spread almonds on a baking sheet and bake for 5-7 minutes, or until fragrant and lightly browned.
Lemon Dill Pasta with Smoked Salmon
Lemon Dill Pasta with Smoked Salmon Recipe
This refreshing summer pasta dish combines the brightness of lemon and dill with the richness of smoked salmon, all wrapped up in a light and airy sauce.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. pasta (linguine or fettuccine work well)
– 2 tbsp. unsalted butter
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup freshly chopped dill
– 2 lemons, zested and juiced
– 6 oz. smoked salmon, flaked
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
3. Add chopped dill, lemon zest, and juice. Stir to combine and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
4. Stir in flaked smoked salmon.
5. Combine cooked pasta with the sauce mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Lemon Artichoke Pasta in White Wine Sauce
Brighten up a weeknight dinner with this refreshing and flavorful pasta dish, perfect for springtime gatherings.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. fettuccine pasta
– 2 large artichokes, trimmed and quartered
– 2 lemons, juiced (about 2 tbsp.)
– 1/4 cup white wine
– 2 tbsp. unsalted butter
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook fettuccine pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
3. Add quartered artichokes to the skillet and cook for 5 minutes, or until tender.
4. Pour in white wine and lemon juice. Bring mixture to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until sauce has thickened slightly.
5. Add cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to combine with artichoke mixture. If needed, add some reserved pasta water to achieve desired consistency.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Lemon Pesto Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Brighten up your dinner routine with this vibrant and flavorful pasta dish, perfect for spring and summer nights.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. spaghetti
– 1/2 cup freshly made lemon pesto (see below)
– 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
– 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
Lemon Pesto:
– 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
– 1/3 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining.
2. In a medium bowl, combine lemon pesto ingredients. Stir until smooth.
3. In a large skillet, combine sun-dried tomatoes and cherry tomatoes. Add reserved pasta water and cook over medium heat until the mixture is warm and well combined.
4. Add cooked spaghetti to the skillet, tossing to coat with tomato mixture.
5. Stir in lemon pesto until well combined.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, topped with Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Lemon Mushroom Pasta with Thyme
Brighten up your dinner routine with this tangy and savory pasta dish, infused with the warmth of thyme.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. pasta of your choice (e.g., spaghetti, linguine)
– 2 cups mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
3. Add mushrooms and cook until tender, about 5 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and thyme.
4. Pour in lemon juice and stir to combine. Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
5. Combine cooked pasta, mushroom mixture, and reserved pasta water. Toss to coat.
6. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Lemon Burrata Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes
A bright and flavorful summer pasta dish that combines the creamy richness of burrata cheese, the sweetness of cherry tomatoes, and a squeeze of lemon juice.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. pasta (such as bowtie or penne)
– 1 ball of burrata cheese
– 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
– 2 tbsp. olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp. freshly squeezed lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
3. Add cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes or until they release their juices and start to soften.
4. Cut the burrata cheese into small pieces and add it to the skillet with the tomatoes. Stir gently to combine.
5. Add cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together until well coated. If needed, add some reserved pasta water to achieve a creamy consistency.
6. Squeeze lemon juice over the top and season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Lemon Crab Pasta with Chives
Brighten up your pasta dish with the tangy sweetness of lemons, the richness of crab, and the freshness of chives.
Ingredients:
– 12 oz pasta (linguine or fettuccine)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1/2 cup white wine (optional)
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives
– 1/2 cup jumbo lump crab meat, flaked
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 tablespoon of pasta water before draining.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high. Add white wine (if using) and lemon juice; simmer for 3-4 minutes or until slightly reduced.
3. Stir in garlic, crab meat, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 2 minutes or until crab is heated through.
4. Add cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to combine with crab mixture. If necessary, add reserved pasta water to achieve desired consistency.
5. Sprinkle chives over pasta and serve immediately. Top with Parmesan cheese (if using) for added richness.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Lemon Zucchini Pasta with Goat Cheese
Brighten up your pasta dish with the zest of lemons and the creaminess of goat cheese, paired with sautéed zucchinis. This refreshing recipe is perfect for a light and satisfying dinner.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz pasta (linguine or fettuccine)
– 2 medium zucchinis, sliced
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup goat cheese, crumbled
– 2 lemons, juiced (about 2 tbsp)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
3. Add zucchinis and cook until tender, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Stir in lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste.
5. Toss cooked pasta with zucchini mixture and crumbled goat cheese.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Lemon Caper Pasta with Tuna
A bright and zesty twist on classic pasta dishes, this recipe combines the richness of tuna with the tanginess of lemon and capers. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz pasta of your choice
– 1 can (6 oz) of tuna in water, drained and flaked
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon capers, rinsed and chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
3. Add tuna, lemon juice, and capers to the skillet. Stir to combine.
4. Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss with tuna mixture.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If desired, sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top.
6. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Lemon Orzo Pasta with Feta and Olives
Brighten up your pasta dish with a burst of citrus flavor from this zesty Lemon Orzo Pasta with Feta and Olives. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend lunch.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz orzo pasta
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1/4 cup pitted and sliced green olives
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the orzo pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the lemon juice and stir to combine.
3. Drain the cooked orzo and add it to the skillet with the lemon mixture. Toss to combine.
4. Stir in the crumbled feta cheese and sliced green olives.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Lemon Roasted Garlic Pasta with Arugula
Brighten up your weeknight dinner routine with this zesty and refreshing pasta dish, packed with the flavors of roasted garlic, lemon, and peppery arugula.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. pasta of your choice
– 3-4 cloves garlic, peeled and separated
– 2 lemons, juiced (about 1/4 cup)
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 cups arugula leaves
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Toss garlic cloves with 1 tbsp olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
3. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
4. In a large skillet, combine roasted garlic, lemon juice, remaining 1 tbsp olive oil, and a pinch of salt. Simmer over medium heat for 5 minutes.
5. Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until coated with the garlicky sauce.
6. Wilt arugula leaves in the skillet by stirring constantly for about 2-3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot, topped with Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Lemon Brown Butter Pasta with Sage
Elevate your pasta game with this vibrant and aromatic dish, where the brightness of lemon, nuttiness of brown butter, and earthiness of sage come together in perfect harmony.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz pasta (linguine or fettuccine work well)
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter
– 1/4 cup brown butter (see note)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 tsp chopped fresh sage
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
3. Add brown butter and stir to combine. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the butter is golden and nutty.
4. Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
5. Add cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat with the lemon-brown butter sauce. If needed, add reserved pasta water to achieve desired consistency.
6. Sprinkle chopped sage and Parmesan cheese (if using) over the top. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Lemon Avocado Pasta with Cilantro
A bright and refreshing twist on traditional pasta dishes, this recipe combines the creaminess of avocado with the zesty flavor of lemon and the freshness of cilantro.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. pasta of your choice
– 1 ripe avocado, diced
– 2 lemons, juiced (about 2 tbsp)
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a blender or food processor, combine diced avocado, lemon juice, and olive oil. Blend until smooth and creamy.
3. Add the chopped cilantro to the blender and blend until well combined.
4. Toss cooked pasta with the avocado-lemon mixture, adding some reserved pasta water if needed to achieve desired consistency.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Top with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Lemon Broccoli Pasta with Pine Nuts
Lemon Broccoli Pasta with Pine Nuts Recipe
Brighten up a weeknight dinner with this refreshing and flavorful pasta dish, featuring the sweetness of pine nuts, the zest of lemon, and the earthiness of broccoli.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. pasta (such as spaghetti or fettuccine)
– 2 cups broccoli florets
– 1/4 cup pine nuts
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 tsp Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
3. Add broccoli to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, until tender.
4. Stir in pine nuts, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional minute.
5. Combine cooked pasta, reserved pasta water, and lemon-broccoli mixture. Toss to coat.
6. Serve with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Lemon Mascarpone Pasta with Peas
Brighten up your pasta dish with the zesty combination of lemon, mascarpone cheese, and sweet peas.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. pasta (linguine or fettuccine work well)
– 2 cups fresh peas
– 2 tbsp. unsalted butter
– 1/4 cup mascarpone cheese
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp. freshly squeezed lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
3. Add peas to the skillet and cook until tender, about 3-4 minutes.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together mascarpone cheese and lemon juice.
5. Drain pasta and add to the skillet with peas. Toss to combine.
6. Pour in the lemon-mascarpone mixture and toss until well coated.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve immediately, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Lemon Spaghetti with Fresh Mint and Chili Flakes
Zesty and refreshing, this spaghetti dish is perfect for a light and flavorful meal.
Ingredients:
• 12 oz spaghetti
• 2 lemons, juiced
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
• 1 tsp chili flakes
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
3. Add lemon juice, chopped mint, chili flakes, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir well to combine.
4. Add cooked spaghetti to the skillet, tossing to coat with the lemon-mint sauce. If needed, add some reserved pasta water to achieve desired consistency.
5. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Summary
Get ready to brighten up your pasta dishes with a burst of citrusy flavor! This collection of 20 creamy lemon pasta recipes features fresh herbs and an array of ingredients. From classic combinations like lemon garlic butter pasta to more adventurous options like lemon crab pasta, there’s something for everyone. Each dish combines the tanginess of lemon with the richness of cream, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Whether you’re in the mood for seafood, poultry, or vegetarian options, this roundup has got you covered.
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