If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with brightness and rich creaminess all at once, you’ve got to try this Pappardelle al Limone (Creamy Lemon Pasta) Recipe. It’s one of those delightful Italian classics that elevates simple ingredients into a silky, tangy pasta experience that feels luxurious without being complicated. The marriage of fresh lemon zest and juice with buttery cream and sharp Parmesan is like sunshine in a bowl, perfect for any night you want to impress yourself and your loved ones. The wide ribbons of pappardelle happily soak up every bit of that luscious sauce, making each bite memorable and utterly crave-worthy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for a handful of ingredients that are straightforward but essential, each playing a crucial role in building that perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. From the creamy dairy components to the bright bursts of citrus and aromatic garlic, every item is here to make the dish truly sing.
- 12 ounces pappardelle pasta: Wide noodles that hold sauce beautifully for a decadent texture.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds a rich and velvety base to the sauce without over-salting.
- 1 cup heavy cream: The secret to that irresistibly creamy mouthfeel that clings to every strand of pasta.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Enhances the buttery flavor and helps cook the garlic gently.
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest: Packs a punch of fresh citrus aroma and flavor without the acidity of juice.
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice: Brings the perfect tang that brightens the entire dish.
- 3/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese: Melts smoothly into the sauce, giving depth and that classic Italian umami.
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced: Infuses the sauce with a subtle pungent warmth essential to Italian cooking.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the natural flavors and balances the creaminess.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a mild spicy kick that complements the lemon zest.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped: Gives a fresh green color and herbaceous brightness as a finishing touch.
- Optional extra Parmesan for serving: Because you can never have too much cheese when it tastes this good.
How to Make Pappardelle al Limone (Creamy Lemon Pasta) Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pappardelle
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. The salt is key—it seasons the pasta from the inside out. Cook your pappardelle according to package directions until perfectly al dente, which means tender but still with a slight bite. Before draining, scoop out a cup of the starchy pasta water. This magical liquid will help you loosen and perfect the sauce consistency later on.
Step 2: Build the Creamy Lemon Sauce
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt your unsalted butter together with a tablespoon of olive oil. The oil keeps the butter from burning and helps cook the garlic gently. Toss in your finely minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, careful not to let it brown and turn bitter. Then, pour in the heavy cream and lower the heat slightly to let it simmer gently. This step thickens the cream just enough to coat the pasta in silky goodness.
Step 3: Add the Citrus and Cheese
Now comes the star of the show—stir in your lemon zest and fresh lemon juice, along with salt and freshly ground black pepper. The bright acidity perfectly cuts through the richness of the cream. Gradually add the finely grated Parmesan cheese to the warm sauce, stirring until it melts smoothly and you have a luscious, creamy sauce that’s bursting with flavor. Keep the heat low to avoid the cheese from clumping or curdling.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add your cooked pappardelle directly into the skillet, gently tossing to ensure every ribbon is coated in that dreamy lemon cream sauce. Use some of the reserved pasta water a little at a time if the sauce feels too thick—this step helps loosen and create a velvety texture that clings perfectly to the noodles. Remove from heat and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top to finish.
How to Serve Pappardelle al Limone (Creamy Lemon Pasta) Recipe
Garnishes
To really elevate your Pappardelle al Limone (Creamy Lemon Pasta) Recipe, don’t be shy with the garnishes. A generous sprinkle of extra Parmesan amps up the savory notes, while a touch more freshly grated lemon zest can boost the citrus brightness. A small handful of chopped fresh parsley or even some microgreens adds appealing color and a fresh flavor contrast.
Side Dishes
This creamy lemon pasta shines beautifully on its own but pairs wonderfully with simple sides like a crisp green salad dressed in a vinaigrette or crunchy garlic bread to mop up any stray sauce. For a heartier meal, roasted or grilled vegetables with light seasoning or a lemony chicken breast complement the flavors and round out the meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation is half the joy of dining, so try twirling the pappardelle into elegant nests on your serving plates for a restaurant-worthy look. Drizzle a little extra lemon-infused olive oil and a few lemon curls on top for wow factor. You can even serve it in shallow bowls sprinkled with edible flowers like nasturtiums or basil blossoms to brighten the table visually and add subtle flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Because the sauce is cream-based, it’s best enjoyed within 2 days to retain its freshness and luscious texture. Keep any extra Parmesan separate and add it fresh when reheating to keep it from becoming chalky.
Freezing
Freezing creamy pasta sauces can be tricky as dairy sometimes separates when defrosted. While you can freeze the cooked pappardelle and sauce together in a freezer-safe container, expect some slight texture changes. Thaw gently overnight in the fridge and plan to use it soon after defrosting for best results.
Reheating
Warm your leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently. You might want to add a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to revive the creamy texture without drying out the dish. Microwave reheating is possible but be cautious to heat in short bursts to prevent curdling.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While pappardelle works wonderfully because of its wide, flat ribbons that grab the sauce, fettuccine or tagliatelle are great alternatives. Just keep in mind that thinner pastas won’t hold as much sauce.
Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the butter with olive oil, use coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative, and swap Parmesan for a dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast. The flavor will be different but still delicious and creamy.
How can I make this recipe lighter?
For a lighter version, try replacing heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk. The sauce won’t be as thick or rich but will retain that lovely lemon flavor. Adding sautéed veggies can also bulk it up healthily.
What protein pairs well with Pappardelle al Limone (Creamy Lemon Pasta) Recipe?
Sautéed shrimp, grilled chicken, or even pan-seared scallops all make excellent companions, enhancing the meal with savory protein while complementing the lemon cream sauce beautifully.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
You can prepare the sauce a few hours ahead but hold off on mixing with the pasta until serving to keep the noodles from becoming soggy. Gently reheat the sauce, then toss with freshly cooked pappardelle for best results.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about this Pappardelle al Limone (Creamy Lemon Pasta) Recipe that makes it a go-to when you want that perfect blend of comfort and elegance. It’s simple, fresh, and utterly satisfying—months from now, you might find yourself reminiscing about the bright lemony sauce and the creamy texture that just hugs every bite. I hope you give it a try soon and let this recipe become one of your personal favorites to cook and share.
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Pappardelle al Limone (Creamy Lemon Pasta) Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Pappardelle al Limone is a luscious, creamy lemon pasta that combines the zest and juice of fresh lemons with rich heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. This bright and velvety Italian dish is perfectly balanced and easy to prepare, making it an ideal weeknight main course with a refreshing citrus twist.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 ounces pappardelle pasta
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 3/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
Optional
- Extra Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pappardelle and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water and then drain the pasta thoroughly.
- Prepare the sauce base: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter together with the olive oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned to avoid bitterness.
- Simmer the cream: Stir in the heavy cream and gently simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the cream to slightly thicken and develop a smooth texture.
- Add lemon and seasoning: Mix in the lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to blend the flavors harmoniously.
- Incorporate cheese: Reduce the heat to low and gradually stir in the finely grated Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked pappardelle directly into the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat evenly, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce and reach your preferred consistency.
- Finish and serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle the dish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately. Optionally, garnish with extra Parmesan cheese for added richness.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream to reduce fat content.
- Add sautéed shrimp or grilled chicken to increase the protein content and make it a more hearty meal.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese rather than pre-grated for a smoother, better-melting sauce with richer flavor.
