This creamy bright Trader Joes Lemon Pasta Recipe is made with fresh lemons, heavy cream, and parmesan cheese, ready in just 15 minutes. The rich citrus sauce naturally clings to every warm noodle right as it finishes cooking in the skillet. I love making this when I need a fast weeknight dinner.
Why This Classic Works
I originally tried making lemon pasta with just oil and juice, but it always ended up too thin and acidic. Adding a splash of heavy cream and reserved pasta water creates a much better emulsion.
The trick is taking the pan off the heat before folding in the cheese and lemon zest. It stops the sauce from splitting and keeps the dairy perfectly smooth.
Jump to RecipeTrader Joes Lemon Pasta Recipe Ingredients
- 1 lb dried pasta (like pappardelle or spaghetti)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 large lemons, zested and juiced
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
How To Make Trader Joes Lemon Pasta Recipe
- Boil The Pasta: Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted water according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Melt Butter And Cream: In a large skillet over medium-low heat, melt the butter and whisk in the heavy cream. Let it simmer gently for 2 minutes.
- Add Lemon And Cheese: Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Toss The Pasta: Add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing vigorously. Pour in small splashes of pasta water until the sauce coats the noodles evenly.
Recipe Tips
- Zest before juicing: It is much easier to get the zest off a whole, firm lemon than a squeezed half.
- Grate your own cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that make your sauce gritty instead of smooth.
- Watch the heat: Boiling the cream and lemon juice rapidly will cause the sauce to separate.
What To Serve With Lemon Pasta
This bright pasta pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken breast or seared scallops. You can also serve it alongside a simple arugula salad dressed with olive oil.
How To Store
Keep leftover pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk or water to loosen the sauce. Freezing is not recommended as the dairy sauce will separate.
FAQs
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Whole milk can work, but the sauce will be thinner. You may need to simmer it longer to reduce.
Does the lemon juice curdle the cream?
Not if you remove the pan from the heat first. The fat in heavy cream also resists curdling better than lighter milk.
What pasta shape is best?
Pappardelle, linguine, or spaghetti are excellent choices. Long noodles hold the creamy citrus sauce nicely.
Nutrition
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Total Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
- Sodium: 380mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 45g
- Protein: 15g
Trader Joes Lemon Pasta Recipe
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minutesTrader Joes Lemon Pasta Recipe features creamy bright flavors using fresh lemons, parmesan cheese, and heavy cream in just 15 minutes. This quick citrus dish makes a fast, easy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
1 lb dried pasta (like pappardelle or spaghetti)
2 tbsp unsalted butter
1 cup heavy cream
2 large lemons, zested and juiced
1 cup grated parmesan cheese
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/2 cup reserved pasta water
Directions
- 1. Boil The Pasta: Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted water according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- 2. Melt Butter And Cream: In a large skillet over medium-low heat, melt the butter and whisk in the heavy cream. Let it simmer gently for 2 minutes.
- 3. Add Lemon And Cheese: Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- 4. Toss The Pasta: Add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing vigorously. Pour in small splashes of pasta water until the sauce coats the noodles evenly.
