Lemon cream sauce is like a culinary hug, wrapping your taste buds in a zesty embrace. Imagine creamy goodness dancing with bright citrus notes, creating a flavor profile that makes any dish sing! Whether drizzled over pasta or used to enhance seafood, this sauce captures the essence of sunshine in every spoonful.
Growing up, lemon cream sauce was a family favorite at Sunday dinners. The aroma wafting through the kitchen always hinted at delicious memories waiting to unfold. This special sauce effortlessly elevates even the simplest meals, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and festive gatherings.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This lemon cream sauce is incredibly easy to whip up, taking just minutes to prepare
- Its bright, tangy flavor pairs beautifully with everything from fish to veggies
- The vibrant color adds an appealing touch to your dinner table, making it visually stunning
- Perfect for impressing guests or simply enjoying a cozy night in with comfort food
I still remember the first time I served lemon cream sauce to friends; they practically licked their plates clean!
Essential Ingredients
Hereβs what youβll need to make this delicious dish:
-
Fresh Lemons: Use freshly squeezed juice for the best flavor; bottled lemon juice just doesnβt cut it.
-
Heavy Cream: The star of the show! Opt for full-fat cream for that rich, velvety texture.
-
Butter: Unsalted butter works best here; it allows you to control the saltiness of your dish.
-
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds depth; minced or crushed is ideal for maximum flavor infusion.
-
Parmesan Cheese: Grate fresh cheese for a nutty finish that complements the acidity of the lemon.
-
Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all the flavors without overshadowing them.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Letβs Make it Together
Gather Your Ingredients: Start by assembling all your ingredients on the counter. Having everything within reach makes cooking much smoother and enjoyable.
Melt the Butter and SautΓ© Garlic: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter until bubbly. Add minced garlic and sautΓ© until fragrant, about 30 secondsβdonβt let it brown!
Add Heavy Cream and Lemon Juice: Slowly pour in 1 cup of heavy cream while whisking continuously. Then add Β½ cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice for that zesty kickβyour kitchen will smell heavenly!
Stir in Parmesan Cheese: Once combined, stir in Β½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. This step thickens your sauce while adding a delightful nuttiness.
Season and Simmer: Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for about 5 minutes until slightly thickenedβkeep stirring occasionally so it doesnβt stick.
Serve and Enjoy!: Remove from heat and serve immediately over your favorite pasta or grilled chicken. Garnish with extra Parmesan or fresh herbs if desiredβa feast for both eyes and palate!
This lemon cream sauce is not just another addition to your recipe collection; itβs destined to become a staple in your kitchen repertoire!
You Must Know
- This tangy lemon cream sauce elevates any dish, adding a burst of flavor and vibrancy
- Perfect for pasta, seafood, or chicken, it transforms simple meals into gourmet experiences
- The creamy texture combined with citrus makes it a delightful companion for various cuisines
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preparing your ingredients: zest and juice the lemons first, then whip up the cream sauce while cooking your chosen protein or pasta for maximum efficiency.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap in lime for a different citrus kick or add garlic for an extra layer of flavor. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley also complement the lemon beautifully.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftover lemon cream sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on low heat to maintain its creamy texture without curdling.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Mastering this lemon cream sauce is all about balance; adjust acidity based on personal preference
- Use fresh lemons for the best flavor, and donβt skip the zest!
- Remember, watch the heat while reheating to keep it smooth and luscious
Creating this lemon cream sauce reminds me of family dinners where everyone fought over who got the last spoonful. It was always a hit at gatherings, making those moments even more special.
FAQ
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
Using fresh lemon juice is recommended for optimal flavor and zestiness.
Is this sauce good for freezing?
Freezing is not ideal as it can affect the texture and creaminess when thawed.
What dishes pair well with lemon cream sauce?
This sauce complements pasta, seafood, chicken, or roasted vegetables perfectly!
Lemon Cream Sauce
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 4 servings 1x
Description
Lemon cream sauce is a delightful blend of tangy citrus and rich cream that elevates any dish to gourmet status. This easy-to-make sauce brightens up pastas, seafood, or grilled chicken with its zesty flavor and creamy texture. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this sauce is sure to impress your family and friends!
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2β3 lemons)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients on the counter for smooth cooking.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add minced garlic and sautΓ© for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Slowly whisk in the heavy cream, followed by the lemon juice, stirring until combined.
- Add grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
- Season with salt and pepper, let simmer for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Serve immediately over your favorite pasta or grilled chicken.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup (60g)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: For an alternative flavor twist, try lime juice instead of lemon. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can enhance the dish even more. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.