What makes lemon parmesan pasta easy to cook?

The ingredients are basic—pasta, lemon, Parmesan, egg yolk, and olive oil. It’s ready in under 20 minutes and doesn’t require any special tools or cream.

How do I make lemon parmesan pasta sauce without cream?

Use reserved pasta water, grated Parmesan, lemon juice, and an egg yolk added off heat. This creates a silky, creamy sauce without dairy-heavy ingredients.

Is this similar to lemon & Parmesan pasta by Jamie Oliver?

Yes, this version shares the same simplicity and focus on fresh flavors. We just skip cream and rely on traditional pasta techniques like using egg yolk and starchy water for richness.

Can I make lemon parmesan pasta without cream but still creamy?

Absolutely. The egg yolk and pasta water create a naturally creamy texture when stirred off heat, no cream needed.

Lemon Parmesan Pasta – Unbelievably Easy & Creamy Dish

Unbelievably Easy Lemon Parmesan Pasta That Tastes Gourmet

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

This irresistibly creamy lemon parmesan pasta is light, bright, and satisfying—made without cream in just 20 minutes using pantry staples.

Author: Emily Parker
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 2 servings 1x
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

8 oz spaghetti
1/2 lemon (juice)
1/3 lemon zest
1/2 cup reserved pasta water
2 tbsp olive oil
1 egg yolk
1/4 cup grated Parmesan
4–5 basil leaves (sliced)
Cracked black pepper to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. Boil pasta until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup water, then drain and toss pasta with a little olive oil.
2. Roll and slice basil leaves into thin ribbons (chiffonade).
3. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-low heat.
4. Add cooked pasta to the pan.
5. Add lemon zest and juice. Stir.
6. Pour in reserved pasta water and reduce slightly.
7. Stir in Parmesan until melted and smooth.
8. Add basil and cracked pepper.
9. Remove from heat. Stir in egg yolk quickly to create creamy sauce.
10. Serve topped with extra basil, Parmesan, and pepper.

Notes

Add spinach, peas, or grilled chicken for variety.
Use egg yolk off heat to avoid scrambling.
Serve immediately for best texture.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1.5 cups
Calories: 420
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 180mg
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 58g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 14g
Cholesterol: 90mg

Find it online: https://www.flavourrecipe.com/lemon-parmesan-pasta/