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If you're on the hunt for a vibrant and easy-to-make pasta dish that brings a burst of flavor to your dinner table, look no further than Creamy Cilantro Lime Pasta. This delightful recipe combines the rich creaminess of heavy cream and Parmesan cheese with the refreshing zest of lime and the aromatic notes of fresh cilantro. As a perfect weeknight dinner option, it not only satisfies your taste buds but also adds a zesty twist to your usual pasta repertoire.

Creamy Cilantro Lime Pasta

Discover a vibrant twist on a classic with Creamy Cilantro Lime Pasta! This delightful recipe combines the rich flavors of creamy sauce, Parmesan cheese, fresh cilantro, and zesty lime for a mouthwatering dish that’s perfect for weeknights or entertaining. Easy to prepare, this pasta offers a harmonious blend of creaminess and acidity that will impress anyone at your table. Dive into this tantalizing dish and enjoy every satisfying bite!
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Ingredients
  

12 oz (340 g) linguine or fettuccine

1 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (plus more for garnish)

2 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed)

1 teaspoon lime zest

2 tablespoons olive oil

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon salt (to taste)

1/2 teaspoon black pepper (to taste)

Optional: sliced cherry tomatoes and avocado for garnish

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, fill it with water and add a generous amount of salt before bringing to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add the linguine or fettuccine and cook according to the package instructions until the pasta reaches an al dente texture. Once cooked, drain the pasta but reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water for later use. Set the drained pasta aside.

    Prepare the Sauce: In a large skillet set over medium heat, pour in the olive oil. Allow the oil to heat up for a moment, then add the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute or until it becomes fragrant, ensuring it does not turn brown or burn.

      Make it Creamy: Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and carefully pour in the heavy cream. Add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, lime juice, and lime zest to the skillet. Stir the mixture continuously until the cheese fully melts and the sauce takes on a rich, creamy texture.

        Season it Up: Incorporate the chopped cilantro into the sauce. Season with salt and black pepper to taste, and stir well. Sample the sauce, adjusting seasoning as preferred to achieve your desired flavor.

          Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the creamy sauce. If you find that the sauce is too thick for your liking, gradually mix in some of the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until the desired consistency is reached. Toss everything together ensuring each strand of pasta is well coated in the luscious sauce.

            Serve: Dish out the creamy cilantro lime pasta onto plates. For a burst of color and added flavor, garnish with extra cilantro, along with slices of cherry tomatoes and avocado if desired. Enjoy your delicious meal!

              Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 minutes | 25 minutes | 4 servings