Craving a weeknight dinner that’s both easy and delicious? Try our creamy lemon pappardelle pasta recipe made with homemade pasta, fresh lemon, and a quick cooking method, perfect for a family favorite meal, save for later

Creamy Lemon Pappardelle Pasta Recipe

Introduction

This Creamy Lemon Pappardelle Pasta Recipe is a symphony of flavors and textures that will elevate your pasta game to the next level. With its bright, citrusy notes and rich, velvety sauce, this dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few everyday ingredients and some basic cooking techniques. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a culinary newbie, this recipe is sure to impress. So, let’s dive in and explore the world of creamy, dreamy pasta!

Why This Works

Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: This recipe strikes the perfect balance between tangy, sweet, and savory flavors, using ingredients that are easily found in most supermarkets.
Ease of preparation: With a simple and straightforward cooking process, this recipe is perfect for busy home cooks who want to whip up a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Impressive results with minimal effort: Despite its ease of preparation, this recipe yields impressive results that are sure to wow your family and friends. The combination of creamy sauce, tender pasta, and burst of citrus flavor is a match made in heaven!

Key Ingredients

The star of the show is, of course, the pappardelle pasta – a wide, flat noodle made from egg and flour. To complement its rich, eggy flavor, we’ll be using a combination of ingredients including freshly squeezed lemon juice, heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and a sprinkle of parsley for added freshness. For the sauce, we’ll also be using some garlic, olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper to bring everything together. If you don’t have pappardelle pasta, you can substitute it with other wide, flat noodles like fettuccine or tagliatelle. Similarly, if you’re not a fan of heavy cream, you can use half-and-half or a mixture of milk and butter as a substitute.

Instructions

Step 1: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pappardelle pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente, then drain and set aside.
Step 2: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Next, add the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes until it starts to thicken, stirring occasionally.
Step 3: Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it’s fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Add the freshly squeezed lemon juice, salt, and pepper, and stir to combine. Finally, add the cooked pappardelle pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together until the pasta is well coated with the creamy sauce.
Step 4: To finish the dish, sprinkle some chopped parsley over the top and serve immediately. You can also add some extra Parmesan cheese and a squeeze of lemon juice on the side, if desired.

Handy Tips

When cooking the pasta, make sure to salt the water generously to bring out the flavor of the noodles. You can also add some lemon slices or zest to the water for extra citrus flavor.
Don’t overcook the pasta – it should still have a bit of bite or chew to it. This will help it hold onto the creamy sauce better.
If you’re using a different type of pasta, adjust the cooking time accordingly. For example, fettuccine or tagliatelle may take a minute or two less to cook than pappardelle.

Heat Control

When heating the sauce, make sure to keep an eye on the temperature and stir occasionally to prevent it from boiling over or scorching. You want the sauce to simmer gently, reducing slightly as it thickens. If you notice it starting to boil, reduce the heat immediately and stir in a bit more cream or lemon juice to calm it down.

Crunch Factor

This dish is all about creamy, comforting textures, so you won’t need to worry about achieving a crunch factor. However, if you want to add some extra texture, you can sprinkle some toasted pine nuts or chopped fresh herbs over the top of the pasta before serving.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

To prevent the pasta from sticking together, toss it with a bit of olive oil or cream immediately after draining. This will help it stay separate and cook more evenly.
Don’t over-mix the sauce – you want it to retain a bit of texture and creaminess. Stop stirring as soon as the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
For an extra-rich and creamy sauce, add a bit of grated butter or cream cheese to the skillet with the garlic and cream. This will give the sauce a luxurious, velvety texture that’s sure to impress.

Storage Tips

Leftover pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently over low heat, adding a bit more cream or lemon juice if needed to restore the sauce.
You can also freeze the cooked pasta for up to 2 months, thawing and reheating it as needed. However, keep in mind that the texture may change slightly after freezing and reheating.
For the best results, store the pasta in a shallow container and press plastic wrap or parchment paper directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming.

Gift Packaging Ideas

While this recipe is best served fresh, you can also package it up as a gift for friends or family. Consider storing the cooked pasta in a decorative jar or container, topping it with a sprinkle of parsley and a wedge of lemon. You can also include a side of garlic bread or a green salad for a complete meal. To make it an extra-special gift, wrap the container in a ribbon or twine and include a handwritten note with the recipe and cooking instructions.

Flavor Variations

🌟 Add some diced ham or bacon to the sauce for a smoky, savory flavor.
🌟 Mix in some chopped fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or dill for added brightness and flavor.
🌟 Substitute the heavy cream with a mixture of milk and butter for a lighter, more delicate sauce.

Troubleshooting

Texture problems: If the sauce is too thick, try adding a bit more cream or lemon juice. If it’s too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes to reduce the liquid.
Ingredient replacements: Don’t have Parmesan cheese? Try substituting it with other hard cheeses like Pecorino or Grana Padano. You can also use nutritional yeast for a vegan alternative.
Over/undercooking signs: If the pasta is overcooked, it will be mushy and unappetizing. If it’s undercooked, it will be hard and crunchy. Aim for a happy medium, where the pasta still has a bit of bite but is cooked through.

FAQs

Can I freeze it? Yes, you can freeze the cooked pasta for up to 2 months. However, keep in mind that the texture may change slightly after freezing and reheating.
Is it gluten-free? Unfortunately, this recipe is not gluten-free due to the presence of wheat in the pappardelle pasta. However, you can substitute the pasta with gluten-free alternatives made from rice, quinoa, or corn.
Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can easily double or triple the recipe to feed a larger crowd. Just keep in mind that you may need to adjust the cooking time and heat level accordingly to prevent the sauce from boiling over or scorching.

Conclusion

This Creamy Lemon Pappardelle Pasta Recipe is a true showstopper, with its bright, citrusy flavors and rich, velvety sauce. Whether you’re a pasta lover, a fan of creamy sauces, or just looking for a quick and easy dinner idea, this recipe is sure to impress. So go ahead, give it a try, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavor combinations and ingredients to make it your own. Happy cooking, and buon appetito!

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