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Once your pasta is cooked to al dente perfection, it's time to bring it together with the luscious creamy sauce. To ensure that your pasta is well-coated and every strand is infused with flavor, follow these techniques:

Creamy Lemon Dill Pasta

Discover the delightful flavors of Zesty Creamy Lemon Dill Pasta! This refreshing dish combines the richness of a creamy sauce with bright notes of lemon and fresh dill, making it perfect for any occasion. Simple to prepare, it can be customized with proteins like shrimp or chicken to suit your taste. The balance of creamy texture and zesty brightness ensures every bite is satisfying. Elevate your dining experience with this delicious recipe that is sure to impress your guests!
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Ingredients
  

12 oz (340g) pasta of your choice (recommended: fettuccine or linguine)

2 tablespoons olive oil

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup heavy cream

Zest of 1 large lemon

1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice

1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving

1/4 cup fresh dill, finely chopped (reserve some for garnish)

Optional: 1 cup cooked shrimp or grilled chicken for added protein

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and generously season it with salt. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of hot pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.

    Prepare the Sauce: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.

      Make it Creamy: Reduce the heat to medium-low and carefully pour in the heavy cream. Stir in the freshly grated lemon zest and the lemon juice. Season the mixture with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for about 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.

        Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta directly to the skillet with the lemon cream sauce. Toss the pasta gently, ensuring each strand is coated well. If you find the sauce too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until you reach your desired creamy consistency.

          Finish with Cheese and Dill: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and the finely chopped dill, mixing until everything is well combined and the pasta is creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more salt or pepper as desired.

            Optional Protein: If you wish to include protein, gently fold in the cooked shrimp or grilled chicken, allowing it to warm through for a couple of minutes.

              Serve: Portion the creamy pasta into individual bowls. Garnish with additional fresh dill and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top. Serve immediately and enjoy your zesty dish!

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 minutes | 30 minutes | 4 servings