Creamy lemon chicken pasta with grilled chicken, fettuccine, and zesty lemon sauce garnished with herbs

Lemon Cream Sauce

by

Silky, tangy & perfect for everything

If you’re looking for a sauce that instantly elevates any dish, this Lemon Cream Sauce is your new kitchen secret weapon. It’s silky, rich, and perfectly balanced with zesty lemon just enough brightness to cut through the cream for that restaurant-worthy finish. Delicious drizzled over chicken, pasta, seafood, or vegetables, it turns simple ingredients into something truly special. From Emma’s Cake Studio, this versatile sauce is ready in minutes a little sunshine you can pour over anything.

Time Breakdown

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Servings: About 1 ½ cups (enough for 4–6 servings)

Ingredients List

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter texture)
  • 2 teaspoons lemon zest
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for richness)
  • Salt & black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.

  • Small saucepan
  • Whisk or wooden spoon
  • Measuring cups & spoons
  • Microplane (for zesting lemons)
  • Citrus juicer (optional but handy)

Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions

  1. Melt the butter: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt butter until slightly foamy. 🧈
  2. Sauté garlic: Add minced garlic and cook for 30–45 seconds until fragrant don’t brown it!
  3. Add cream: Pour in heavy cream and whisk gently. Bring to a light simmer.
  4. Add lemon flavor: Stir in lemon zest and juice. Simmer for 3–5 minutes, whisking occasionally, until slightly thickened.
  5. Season & finish: Add salt, pepper, and Parmesan (if using). Stir until smooth and creamy.
  6. Serve: Remove from heat and spoon over pasta, chicken, shrimp, or vegetables. Garnish with parsley or extra lemon zest.

Pro Tips

  • Balance the acidity: Start with less lemon juice, then adjust to taste different lemons vary in tartness.
  • Make it dairy-free: Use olive oil and coconut cream for a rich vegan version.
  • Add herbs: Fresh dill, basil, or thyme complement lemon beautifully for extra freshness.
  • Storage: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat gently with a splash of cream.

Nutrition Table

Serving SizeCaloriesProteinCarbsFatFiberSugar
¼ cup1802g2g18g0g1g