Print This Recipe

One Pot Lemon Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe

Ingredients

• 12 oz linguine or spaghetti
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Juice of 2 lemons
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup heavy cream
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Gather and Combine Initial Ingredients
   Start by placing your pasta of choice—whether it's linguine or spaghetti—into a large pot or deep skillet. To this, add the chicken or vegetable broth, which will act as the base for our flavorful sauce. Pour in the olive oil, then toss in the minced garlic and lemon zest. You're setting the stage for a zesty, aromatic experience right from the get-go.

2. Step 2: Bring to a Boil and Simmer
   Set your burner to high and let everything come to a vigorous boil. Once it's bubbling away, lower the heat to medium-low. You'll want to give your pasta a gentle stir now and then to keep it from sticking. This is where the magic starts, with the pasta soaking up all those delicious flavors as it cooks.

3. Step 3: Cook Until Al Dente
   Let the pasta cook for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. You'll notice the liquid reducing gradually, transforming into a creamy consistency. Keep an eye on the pasta—when it's al dente, a term Italians use for "to the tooth," meaning it should have a slight bite to it, you'll know you're ready for the next step.

4. Step 4: Remove from Heat and Add Final Ingredients
   Once your pasta reaches the perfect texture and most of the liquid has been absorbed, take it off the heat. Pour in the lemon juice, then stir in the Parmesan cheese and heavy cream. Mix everything until it's well combined and you can see the cheese melting into the sauce, creating a beautiful, creamy blend.

5. Step 5: Season and Rest the Pasta
   Sprinkle in the freshly chopped parsley, giving the dish a pop of color and extra flavor. Season with salt and pepper to your liking. If you're a fan of a bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes wouldn't go amiss. Allow the pasta to rest for a couple of minutes to let the sauce thicken up a bit more.

6. Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
   Dish out your creamy concoction onto plates while it's still warm. Feel free to top it off with a smattering of extra Parmesan and a dash of red pepper flakes if you're feeling spicy. Enjoy the fruits of your culinary labor and bask in the harmonious blend of lemony, garlicky, cheesy goodness.

Notes

Ah, the pursuit of the perfect one-pot pasta! It's easy to stumble into a few common missteps, but fear not, help is at hand. One slip-up is not stirring often enough. Pasta loves to stick, especially in a one-pot dish. Give it a swirl every couple of minutes to keep it moving.

Watch that simmer! Too high a heat can quickly boil away your sauce, leaving you with dry pasta. Keep a gentle simmer for that creamy consistency.

Parmesan clumping up? Ensure your pasta is off the heat before adding cheese and cream. They meld better in gentle warmth.

Over-zesting is real. Too much zest can overpower the dish. A light touch is all you need.

Finally, don't forget to taste as you go. Salt and pepper might need a tweak to match your palate. Happy cooking!

Keywords: One Dish Lemon Garlic Parmesan Noodles, Single Pot Lemon Garlic Cheese Pasta, Easy Lemon Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti, One Pan Lemon Garlic Parmesan Pasta, Simple Lemon Garlic Parmesan Fettuccine.