Description
A rich and flavorful Italian dish featuring radiatore pasta coated in a creamy lemon-infused sauce made with Parmesan, cream cheese, and fresh herbs. Perfect for a comforting vegetarian main course that’s easy to prepare on the stovetop.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 ounces radiatore pasta
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small shallot, finely chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup cream cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- â…› teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- Extra Parmesan for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the radiatore pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta. Set pasta aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the minced garlic and finely chopped shallot. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and softened, careful not to brown.
- Prepare the Creamy Sauce: Reduce heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and cream cheese. Add salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and creamy, about 3–4 minutes.
- Add Lemon Flavor: Stir in the lemon zest and lemon juice to the sauce, blending well to infuse the citrus flavor.
- Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the cooked radiatore pasta to the skillet with the creamy sauce. Gradually add the reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce and achieve desired consistency. Toss until the pasta is evenly coated and warmed through.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese over the pasta. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For added protein, stir in grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp before serving.
- Substitute radiatore pasta with fusilli or penne if desired.
- To keep the dish vegetarian, ensure the Parmesan cheese used is rennet-free.
