Lemon Cream Sauce Recipe

This rich and tangy Lemon Cream Sauce is the perfect complement to pasta, seafood, chicken, or vegetables. With its smooth, creamy texture and burst of citrus flavor, it adds a delightful freshness to any dish. Quick to prepare and versatile, this sauce will elevate your meals with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Lemon Cream Sauce is a simple yet sophisticated addition to any dish. The creamy richness of the sauce pairs beautifully with the fresh citrus flavor from the lemon, creating a delightful balance of tastes. The sauce is easy to whip up in just 15 minutes, making it a fantastic option for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Whether you pour it over pasta, seafood, or vegetables, this sauce brings a refreshing lift to your meal, making it a must-try for any home cook.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice

• 1 tsp lemon zest

• 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)

• 1/4 tsp black pepper

• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

1. Melt the Butter: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.

2. Sauté the Garlic: Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.

3. Add the Cream: Pour in the heavy cream and whisk to combine. Simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.

4. Stir in the Flavorings: Stir in the Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

5. Finish and Serve: Remove the sauce from heat and garnish with chopped parsley, if desired. Serve immediately over pasta, seafood, chicken, or vegetables.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe makes enough sauce for about 4 servings.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes

• Cook Time: 10 minutes

• Total Time: 15 minutes

Variations

• Vegan Option: Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream and use a plant-based butter and Parmesan alternative for a vegan version.

• Garlic Lovers: Add an extra clove of garlic for a stronger garlic flavor.

• Herb Infusion: Add fresh thyme, rosemary, or basil for an extra layer of flavor.

• Spicy Kick: Increase the red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for more heat.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat gently over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the sauce thickens too much in the fridge, you can add a splash of cream or milk to loosen it.

FAQs

1. Can I make this sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and refrigerate it. Just reheat gently before serving.

2. Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half, but the sauce won’t be as rich and creamy as with heavy cream.

3. Can I use store-bought lemon juice instead of fresh?

Fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, but store-bought lemon juice can be used in a pinch.

4. Can I add more lemon zest?

Yes, feel free to add more lemon zest if you prefer a more intense citrus flavor.

5. Can I freeze this sauce?

It’s not recommended to freeze cream-based sauces as the texture may change upon reheating.

6. How can I make this sauce thicker?

If you want the sauce thicker, let it simmer longer until it reduces to your desired consistency.

7. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Parmesan adds the perfect flavor, but you can experiment with other cheeses like Romano or Pecorino for a slightly different taste.

8. Can I use this sauce for dipping?

Yes, this lemon cream sauce makes a great dip for breadsticks, fries, or even grilled veggies.

9. How do I know when the sauce is done?

The sauce is done when it’s thickened slightly and coats the back of a spoon.

10. Can I add more spices to the sauce?

Absolutely! You can try adding a bit of nutmeg, garlic powder, or onion powder for more depth.

Conclusion

This Lemon Cream Sauce is a simple yet luxurious way to enhance a variety of dishes. Its creamy texture and zesty lemon flavor will make your meals feel gourmet without the extra effort. Whether you’re serving it over pasta, seafood, chicken, or vegetables, this sauce will add a burst of flavor that everyone will love. Quick to prepare and full of deliciousness, it’s a must-have recipe in your cooking repertoire!

Print