Description

This creamy lemon pasta is a quick and delicious dish featuring tender angel hair pasta cooked in a rich sauce made from butter, garlic, chicken broth, half and half, and Parmesan cheese. Finished with fresh lemon juice and parsley for a bright, fresh flavor, it’s a perfect weeknight meal that’s both comforting and refreshing.

Ingredients

Scale

Cheese and Dairy

½ cup Parmesan cheese (shredded)
3 Tablespoons butter
1 cup half and half (at room temperature)

Main Ingredients

8 oz. angel hair pasta (equal to 1/2 lb.)
4 cloves fresh garlic (minced)
1 ½ cups chicken broth
½ fresh lemon or 1.5 tablespoons lemon juice

Garnish and Optional

Fresh parsley (to garnish)
1 tablespoon capers (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Parmesan cheese: Shred the Parmesan cheese and set it aside to allow it to come to room temperature, which helps it melt smoothly into the sauce.
Cook the garlic: Melt the butter over medium heat in a large skillet. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
Add broth and capers: Pour in the chicken broth and, if using, add the tablespoon of capers for a briny touch. Stir to combine.
Incorporate half and half and add pasta: Slowly stir in the half and half, then bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Add the angel hair pasta; you can break the noodles in half or wait until they soften enough to bend into the skillet.
Simmer the pasta: Let the pasta cook at a simmer for 4-5 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds to prevent sticking. Reduce heat to low once the pasta is nearly tender.
Add Parmesan cheese to finish the sauce: Gradually sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese while stirring continuously until the sauce becomes smooth and well-combined. The sauce will initially be thin but will thicken as it stands and as the pasta absorbs it.
Finish with lemon and garnish: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in fresh lemon juice. Toss the pasta to evenly coat it with the sauce. Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving for a pop of color and flavor.

Notes

For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
Ensure the half and half is at room temperature before adding, to prevent curdling.
Angel hair pasta cooks very quickly, so watch it closely to avoid overcooking.
The sauce thickens as it cools, so serve immediately for the creamiest texture.
Capers add a salty, tangy flavor but can be omitted if preferred.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian

Keywords: creamy lemon pasta, angel hair pasta, quick pasta recipe, easy pasta sauce, lemon pasta, Parmesan pasta, one pan pasta