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Quick Creamy Lemon Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe with Cherry Tomatoes

Quick Creamy Lemon Garlic Butter Pasta - featured image
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A quick and easy creamy lemon garlic butter pasta with cherry tomatoes, perfect for weeknights or unexpected guests. This flavorful dish combines a silky buttery sauce with fresh lemon and sweet cherry tomatoes for a comforting meal ready in under 20 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz (225 g) spaghetti or fettuccine
  • 4 tbsp (60 g) unsalted butter
  • 4 large garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream
  • Juice of 1 large lemon
  • Zest of 1 lemon (optional)
  • 1 cup (150 g) cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz (225 g) pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually about 9-11 minutes). Reserve 1 cup (240 ml) pasta water before draining.
  2. While pasta cooks, melt 4 tbsp (60 g) unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Add 1 cup (150 g) halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 3-4 minutes until they soften and start releasing their juices.
  4. Pour in 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream and stir to combine. Reduce heat to low and simmer gently for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
  5. Add the zest of one lemon (optional) and juice from one large lemon. Stir well to blend the bright citrus notes into the creamy sauce.
  6. Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet. Toss to coat evenly, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time if the sauce seems too thick.
  7. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. If using, sprinkle 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese and toss gently.
  8. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

Do not overcook the garlic to avoid bitterness. Reserve pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed. Use fresh lemon juice for best flavor. Add cream last and keep heat low to prevent curdling. Stir gently when tossing pasta with sauce. For dairy-free, substitute butter with olive oil and cream with coconut or cashew cream. Gluten-free pasta can be used as a substitute.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon pasta, creamy pasta, garlic butter pasta, cherry tomatoes, quick dinner, easy pasta recipe, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://sunnysavory.com/quick-creamy-lemon-garlic-butter-pasta-recipe-with-cherry-tomatoes-easy-and-perfect/