Creamy Meyer Lemon Pasta Recipe

Creamy Meyer Lemon Pasta is a bright, tangy, and creamy pasta dish that uses Meyer lemons for a sweeter, less acidic lemon flavor compared to regular lemons. It’s an easy, fresh, and comforting meal that can be whipped up quickly.

Creamy Meyer Lemon Pasta Recipe

Ingredients:

• 12 oz (340g) pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine work well)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• Zest of 2 Meyer lemons
• Juice of 2 Meyer lemons (about ¼ cup)
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish
• Extra grated Parmesan, for serving

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta:

• In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about ½ cup of the pasta cooking water before draining.

2. Sauté Garlic:

• In a large skillet, melt the butter with the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute, being careful not to brown it.

3. Add Lemon and Cream:

• Stir in the lemon zest and lemon juice, then pour in the heavy cream. Simmer for 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.

4. Add Parmesan:

• Lower the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt into the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Combine Pasta and Sauce:

• Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the creamy lemon sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

6. Serve:

• Serve the pasta immediately, garnished with fresh parsley or basil, extra grated Parmesan, and additional lemon zest for an extra burst of flavor.

Tips:

• Meyer Lemons are sweeter than regular lemons, but you can substitute regular lemons if necessary—just use slightly less juice to avoid too much tartness.
• If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce will be less rich.
• To make it a heartier meal, you can add grilled chicken, shrimp, or vegetables like spinach or asparagus.

This creamy Meyer lemon pasta is the perfect blend of brightness and comfort, making it a great option for a quick weeknight dinner!