Looking for a restaurant-worthy dinner that’s ready in just 30 minutes? This Creamy Lemon Fettuccine Alfredo is a game-changer! Velvety Parmesan sauce meets bright, zesty lemon to create a flavor-packed dish that’s as comforting as it is elegant. Perfect for weeknights or special occasions, this easy recipe will have your family reaching for seconds—and you’ll love how simple it is to make! Whether you're a pasta pro or a kitchen newbie, this dish delivers on taste and ease.
We love Alfredo sauce in our home, and there are so many ways to use it in your recipes! Try our Chicken Broccoli Alfredo, Homemade Fettucine Alfredo, and Tortellini with Rose Sauce.
If you love Alfredo but want to shake things up, this Lemon Fettuccine Alfredo is where it’s at. It’s everything you love about the creamy classic but with a fresh, citrusy twist that makes it feel a little extra special. The lemon adds such a bright, zesty vibe that’s perfect for spring and summer, but honestly, this dish is so good you’ll want it any time of year. It’s rich and comforting but still feels light and fresh—basically, the best of both worlds. Perfect for dinner with friends or just treating yourself to something amazing!
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Rich, Creamy Texture: This creamy pasta dish is indulgently smooth, coating each strand of pasta in a velvety lemon cream sauce.
- Perfect for Lemon Lovers: The fresh lemon juice and zest add a bright, zesty flavor that complements the creamy Alfredo base.
- Quick Meal: Ready in just 30 minutes, this is one of those delicious meals perfect for busy weeknights.
- Family-Friendly: Customizable with options like broccoli or chicken, making it a hit with kids and adults alike.
- Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh Parmesan, garlic, and lemon elevates this dish to restaurant-quality.
- Versatile Dish: This classic pasta recipe pairs beautifully with proteins, veggies, or even a sprinkle of crushed red pepper for extra flavor.
Ingredients and Substitutions
- Unsalted Butter: Provides a rich, creamy base. Substitute with salted butter but reduce added salt if you are using.
- Heavy Cream: Essential for a silky, creamy Alfredo sauce. Avoid lighter creams, as they may curdle.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Use freshly grated for the best flavor and melting texture.
- Fettuccine Pasta: The classic choice for Alfredo; its wide strands hold the sauce well. Substitute with linguine or penne if desired.
- Fresh Lemon Juice and Zest: Key for bright, citrusy notes.
See recipe card for quantities.
How to Make Creamy Lemon Fettuccine Alfredo
Step 1: Boil fettuccine pasta in salted water and reserve pasta water.
Step 2: Sauté garlic in butter.
Step 3: Stir in cream and Parmesan cheese.
Step 4: Add lemon juice, zest, and seasoning.
Step 5: Toss pasta in sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed.
Top Tips
Use Fresh Parmesan: For the smoothest texture and best flavor.
Reserve Pasta Water: This starchy liquid helps bind the sauce to the pasta.
Low Heat Cooking: Prevents the sauce from separating.
Add Lemon Gradually: Adjust to your taste preferences for the perfect balance.
Variations
- Spicy Lemon Alfredo: Add red pepper flakes.
- Vegetarian Option: Toss in sautéed spinach or artichoke hearts.
- Seafood Twist: Use shrimp or scallops for a gourmet experience.
Storage and Make Ahead
Storage: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
How to reheat: Reheat gently over low heat with a splash of cream or pasta water.
FAQ
Absolutely. Incorporating vegetables like steamed broccoli, sautéed spinach, or roasted asparagus can enhance the nutritional value and add vibrant color to your Lemon Fettuccine Alfredo.
To maintain a desirable consistency, reserve some pasta cooking water. If the sauce becomes too thick, gradually stir in the reserved water until the desired consistency is achieved.
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Lemon Fettuccine Alfredo:
Creamy Lemon Fettuccine Alfredo
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
- (1) 16-ounce box fettuccine noodles
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Sauce:
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 ½ cups grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest use lots for extra lemon flavor
- Italian parsley chopped (garnish)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the rest. Toss with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking.
- In a large skillet over medium-low heat, melt the butter. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute).
- Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly. Cook over low-medium heat for 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese, ensuring a smooth melting process. Adjust heat to low if necessary.
- Stir in fresh lemon juice and lots of lemon zest. Taste the sauce and season with salt and black pepper.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss gently to coat in the lemony cream sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
- Finish with Parsley: Sprinkle with chopped parsley for a burst of freshness.
- Serve Immediately: Plate the lemon fettuccine Alfredo and garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and parsley if desired.
Therese
This was so creamy! My family loved it!
Risa
Love this lemon twist on a huge favorite! Looking forward to try this!
Courtney
Love the addition of lemon here -- it really makes it pop!
Eva
I finally made this and was so happy with it! You have great recipes. Thank you.
Tina
So yummy! We love this creamy lemon variety!
Eva
I am going to try this, this weekend. Thanks for the inspiration! 🙂
Tina Frank
Thanks Eva! It's soooo good!
Abi
Big fan of creamy pasta! Saving the recipe , looks delicious.
Tina Frank
Yes Abi! Looking forward to hearing if you love it as much as we do!