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Creamy Lemon Pasta with Crunchy Breadcrumbs

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Creamy Lemon Pasta with Crunchy Breadcrumbs is a delightful and refreshing twist on traditional pasta dishes. The creamy, tangy lemon sauce is perfectly balanced with the crunch of golden breadcrumbs, making this dish a true standout. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a side dish for a special occasion, or a light and zesty meal, this pasta is sure to satisfy. The combination of smooth pasta, vibrant lemon flavor, and crunchy topping creates a dish that is both comforting and full of flavor.

Ingredients

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To make Creamy Lemon Pasta with Crunchy Breadcrumbs, you will need the following ingredients:

  • 12 oz pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or linguine)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 lemon, zested and juiced
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Make the Breadcrumb Topping:

  1. Toast the Breadcrumbs: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the panko breadcrumbs and cook, stirring occasionally, until they’re golden and crispy (about 3-5 minutes). Remove from heat and set aside.

Prepare the Pasta:

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package directions, then drain, reserving 1 cup of pasta water.

Make the Creamy Lemon Sauce:

  1. Sauté the Garlic: While the pasta is cooking, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
  2. Add the Cream and Lemon: Pour in the heavy cream and lemon zest, stirring to combine. Let the cream simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
  3. Finish the Sauce: Stir in the lemon juice and grated Parmesan cheese, and season with salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

Assemble the Dish:

  1. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the creamy lemon sauce, tossing to coat the pasta evenly. If needed, add more pasta water to help the sauce coat the pasta.
  2. Top with Breadcrumbs: Serve the pasta, then sprinkle the toasted breadcrumbs on top for an added crunch. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

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