Creamy Garlic Pasta with Lemon Zest Twist (One-Pot, 20-Minute Dinner!)

Creamy Garlic Pasta with Lemon Zest Twist – One-Pot 20-Minute Magic!

“Silky, garlicky, with a bright pop of lemon — this Creamy Garlic Pasta is comfort food elevated to date-night perfection.”

Imagine twirling golden strands of pasta coated in a velvety garlic cream sauce, kissed with zesty lemon and showered with Parmesan. One whiff of the steaming pot, and you’re already reaching for a fork.

This Creamy Garlic Pasta with Lemon Zest Twist is your new weeknight hero: ✅ One pot ✅ 20 minutes ✅ Kid-approved ✅ Fancy enough for guests

Let’s cook!

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Prep Time: 5 mins | Cook Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 20 mins | Servings: 4

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Ingredients

• 12 oz spaghetti or linguine (fettuccine works too!)
• 4 cloves garlic, finely minced (or grated for extra smoothness)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter version)
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated (pre-shredded won’t melt as smoothly)
• ½ cup chicken or vegetable broth
• Zest of 1 large lemon 🍋 (the star of the show!)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Optional (but recommended):
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (for a gentle kick)
  • Fresh parsley or basil, chopped
  • Extra Parmesan for serving

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Instructions (One-Pot Wonder!)

1. Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente (8–10 minutes). Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain. (This starchy water is liquid gold for silky sauce!)

2. Sauté the Garlic

In the same pot (yes, one-pot!), melt butter with olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant and golden. Tip: Lower heat if it browns too fast — burnt garlic = bitter sauce!

3. Build the Dreamy Cream Sauce

Pour in broth, then heavy cream. Stir in Parmesan, lemon zest, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer gently for 3–4 minutes until the sauce thickens and turns glossy. Taste it — this is where the lemon sings!

4. Toss, Twirl & Serve

Add drained pasta back to the pot. Toss to coat every strand. Use reserved pasta water (1–2 tbsp at a time) to loosen the sauce to your liking. Garnish with fresh herbs, extra cheese, and red pepper flakes.

Serve immediately — steaming hot, with crusty bread and a glass of white wine. 🍷

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Pro Tips for the Ultimate Creamy Garlic Pasta

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Why This Recipe Will Be Your New Favorite

• One pot = less cleanup
• Ready in 20 minutes (faster than takeout!)
• Budget-friendly (pantry staples)
• Customizable (mild or spicy, meaty or veggie)
• Restaurant-quality at home

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Perfect Pairings

• Garlic bread or cheesy pull-apart rolls
• Crisp green salad with balsamic vinaigrette
• Chilled Pinot Grigio or sparkling lemon water

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