Creamy Lemon Parmesan Pasta Salad
A refreshing and creamy pasta salad that's perfect for summer gatherings and meal prep, packed with zesty lemon and rich Parmesan flavors.
Ingredients
Pasta and Dressing
- 8 ounces 8 ounces of your favorite pasta (fusilli, penne, or rotini)
- 1 large 1 large lemon, zest and juice
- ½ cup ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese For a creamy, salty bite.
- ½ cup ½ cup heavy cream For luxurious creaminess.
- 2 tablespoons 2 tablespoons olive oil For added richness.
- 2 cloves 2 cloves garlic, minced For aromatic depth.
- 1 handful A handful of chopped basil or parsley For freshness.
Instructions
Preparation
- Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside to cool.
- In a bowl, combine the heavy cream, grated Parmesan, lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, and olive oil. Whisk until smooth.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the dressing and toss until well-coated.
- Fold in the chopped basil or parsley according to your taste.
- Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature, topped with extra Parmesan if desired.
Notes
For the best flavor development, do not skip the chilling step. Use fresh ingredients for optimal taste.