Description

A bright and silky pasta dish with a luscious lemon cream sauce. This versatile recipe can be made with chicken, shrimp, salmon, or kept vegan, offering a tangy and comforting meal ready in minutes. Perfect for weeknight dinners or a special occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

🛒 Ingredients (serves 4):

For the Pasta:

12 oz fettuccine or spaghetti
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt, for pasta water

For the Creamy Lemon Sauce:

1 cup heavy cream or coconut cream (for vegan option)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese or vegan alternative
2 tablespoons butter or vegan butter
Zest of 1 lemon
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 garlic cloves, minced
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Optional Protein Add-ins:

1 cup cooked chicken, sliced
1 cup cooked shrimp
1 cup cooked salmon, flaked

Instructions

📝 Instructions:
Step 1: Cook Pasta
Boil pasta in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Make Sauce
In a large pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in lemon juice, zest, and Parmesan until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 3: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. If using protein, fold it in gently.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately with a wedge of lemon on the side.

Notes

For extra creaminess, reserve ¼ cup pasta water and mix into sauce.
To make vegan, substitute dairy cream with coconut or oat cream and use vegan Parmesan.
Quick version: Use pre-cooked protein and pasta for a 20-minute dinner.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course / Pasta
Method: Stovetop / Sautéed / Tossed
Cuisine: Italian-inspired