How long does the sauce last?

Creamy lemon pasta is best served fresh, but will last for a couple days in the refrigerator.

Can I sub something for the cooking sherry?

Yes, you can use chicken broth in place of the sherry.

10 Minute Creamy Lemon Pasta Sauce

Name: Creamy Lemon Pasta Sauce
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 12 oz. spaghetti or linguine; 1 cup heavy cream; 2 tablespoons cognac or 2 tablespoons dry sherry (sherry cooking wine will work); zest of 1 lemon; zest of 1 navel orange; 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, plus more for the pasta water; 12 leaves fresh basil, chopped or torn; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; optional: add 1 lb of cooked shrimp to the pasta. I love it this way!

Did you make this? Snap a photo and tag us on Instagram at @thrivinghome so we can see your creations and cheer you on!

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 1 review

Creamy Lemon Pasta Sauce

While this pasta dish is warm and creamy, the lemon and orange zests brighten it up and bring a big flavor!

Yield: 4-6 servings 1x

Prep: 15 minutesCook: 15 minutesTotal: 30 minutes

Units:

Scale:

Ingredients

12 oz. spaghetti or linguine
1 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons cognac or 2 tablespoons dry sherry (sherry cooking wine will work)
zest of 1 lemon
zest of 1 navel orange
1/2 teaspoon sea salt, plus more for the pasta water
12 leaves fresh basil, chopped or torn
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
optional: add 1 lb of cooked shrimp to the pasta. I love it this way!

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Before You Begin! If you make this, please leave a review and rating letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business thrive & continue providing free recipes.

Instructions

Cook pasta according to directions until al dente, making sure to salt the water once it comes to a boil. Drain.
While pasta is cooking, warm the cream in a small saucepan over medium-low heat.
Add in the dry sherry, lemon and orange zest, and salt. Simmer for 7-10 minutes.
Remove from heat and stir in the basil.
Toss the hot, drained pasta with the sauce and grated cheese.

Notes/Tips

Pasta Pro Tips

Here are some general tips in order to make pasta like a pro!

Salt the water. After your water comes to a boil, add in salt (here’s how much). This allows the pasta to absorb the salt from the inside out.
Don’t overcook it! I almost always err on the shorter cooking side when given a range.
Use a big pot and plenty of water. Fill your pot with at least 2 quarts for each 1/2 pound of pasta. This will help prevent your pasta from sticking together during cooking.
Stir right away and every couple of minutes. Pasta will want to start clumping together if you don’t give it a stir.
Don’t rinse your pasta after it’s been drained. While it may seem logical, don’t run cold water over your hot pasta. You’ll risk losing the flavorful starches that will help sauces cling to it later.

Cuisine: Italian Method: Stove top

Find it online: https://thrivinghomeblog.com/creamy-lemon-pasta-sauce/