Imagine twirling your fork into a plate of luxuriously creamy pasta that comes together in just 25 minutes, packed with bright lemon notes and tender zucchini spirals. This isn't just another pasta recipe - it's a game-changing, one-pot wonder that will transform your weeknight dinner routine from mundane to magnificent! Perfect for busy home cooks who crave restaurant-quality meals without the complicated cleanup, this Creamy One Pot Lemon Zucchini Linguine is about to become your new culinary best friend.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz linguine
- 2 medium zucchini, spiralized
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 8 oz of linguine, 2 medium zucchini (spiralized), 1 cup of heavy cream, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, and salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add a generous amount of salt to the water, then add the linguine. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
- While the linguine is cooking, prepare the zucchini. Use a spiralizer to create zucchini noodles (zoodles) from the two medium zucchinis. Set aside.
- Once the linguine is cooked, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the linguine and return it to the pot.
- In the same pot with the linguine, add the heavy cream and stir over medium heat until it starts to simmer. Be careful not to let it boil.
- Once the cream is warmed, add the grated Parmesan cheese and lemon juice. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
- Gently fold in the spiralized zucchini into the creamy sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, just until the zucchini is slightly softened but still retains some crunch.
- Season the dish with salt and pepper to taste. Make sure to taste as you go to achieve the perfect flavor balance.
- Once everything is combined and heated through, remove the pot from the heat. Serve the creamy lemon zucchini linguine immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of black pepper if desired.
- Enjoy your delicious and creamy one pot lemon zucchini linguine!
Tips
- Always salt your pasta water generously - it's your first chance to add flavor to the dish.
- Reserve some pasta water before draining; its starchy magic helps create a silky, clingy sauce.
- Keep your zucchini spirals slightly al dente to maintain a fresh, crisp texture.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the most robust flavor and smoothest melting.
- Control your heat when adding cream to prevent scorching - medium heat is your friend.
- Taste and adjust seasoning gradually to achieve the perfect balance of lemon, salt, and pepper.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 480kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 20g
Cholesterol: 110mg
