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Lemon Garlic Pasta Sauce Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 55 reviews

This creamy Lemon Garlic Pasta Sauce combines rich butter, fresh garlic, and tangy lemon with a smooth half-and-half base and Parmesan cheese to create a vibrant, flavorful sauce that effortlessly elevates any pasta dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Base Ingredients

  • 2 Tbsp. butter
  • 4 garlic cloves, grated with a microplane
  • 2 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups half and half (not fat free)

Flavorings

  • Zest of 1 lemon (about 1 tsp.)
  • 2 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
  • ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 Tbsp. finely chopped parsley
  • Kosher salt and fresh black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Melt Butter and Cook Garlic: In a 12-inch non-stick skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the grated garlic and cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant but not browned.
  2. Add Flour and Cook: Stir in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly until it turns lightly golden. This step cooks off the raw flour taste but be careful not to burn it.
  3. Incorporate Half and Half: Gradually pour in the half and half while stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Season with kosher salt and fresh black pepper to taste. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook the sauce for 1-2 minutes until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. If lumps form, whisk vigorously until smooth.
  4. Add Lemon and Cheese: Whisk in the fresh lemon juice and lemon zest, then stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. The cheese will melt quickly into the sauce, creating a creamy consistency.
  5. Serve Immediately: Remove the sauce from heat and serve immediately over your favorite pasta for a bright, luscious meal.

Notes

  • Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best bright citrus flavor.
  • Do not use fat-free half and half as it may affect the sauce’s creaminess and thickening.
  • Adjust salt and pepper according to your taste preference.
  • Consume immediately for optimal texture and flavor; the sauce may thicken further upon standing.
  • Grate garlic finely to release maximum aroma and avoid garlic chunks.

Keywords: Lemon garlic pasta sauce, creamy lemon sauce, Parmesan pasta sauce, easy pasta sauce, stovetop sauce

Find it online: https://lieblingsmahlzeit.com/lemon-garlic-pasta-sauce-recipe/