Lemon Cream Sauce Recipe: Easy & Quick.

Ready for the Most Deliciously Easy Lemon Cream Sauce?

Imagine a sauce so bright, creamy, and bursting with flavor that it elevates even the simplest dish to something extraordinary. That’s exactly what this lemon cream sauce recipe delivers! It’s incredibly easy to make, requires minimal ingredients, and is guaranteed to impress. Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love It

• It’s incredibly quick to make, ready in under 15 minutes!
• The bright, tangy lemon flavor perfectly balances the rich creaminess.
• It’s incredibly versatile and pairs well with pasta, seafood, vegetables, and more.
• This sauce is simple enough for a weeknight dinner but elegant enough for a special occasion.
• You can easily adjust the level of lemon flavor to suit your taste preferences.

What Makes This Recipe Unique?

What truly sets this lemon cream sauce apart is the technique of slowly infusing the cream with lemon zest while gently heating it. This method pulls out the vibrant essential oils from the zest, creating a lemon flavor that’s deep and nuanced, rather than just sharp. It also ensures the lemon flavor melds seamlessly with the cream, resulting in a luxuriously smooth and balanced sauce.

Ingredient List

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• Zest of 1 large lemon (Lemon Zest is key for that intense flavor!)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
• 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese (Parmesan adds a nice salty depth)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. In a small saucepan, combine the heavy cream and lemon zest.
2. Heat over low heat, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes. Do not boil.
3. Remove from heat and let the cream infuse for 5 minutes.
4. Strain the cream through a fine-mesh sieve, discarding the lemon zest.
5. Return the cream to the saucepan and add the butter.
6. Heat over low heat, stirring until the butter is melted.
7. Slowly stir in the lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
8. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth.
9. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
10. Serve immediately over your favorite dish.

Optional Toppings/Variations

Feel free to experiment with these toppings to add an extra layer of flavor:

• Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley, basil, or chives before serving.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Add a pinch for a hint of spice.
• Extra Lemon Zest: Garnish with a bit of fresh zest for an extra burst of citrus.

Expert Tips

• Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor.
• Don’t skip the step of infusing the cream with the zest – it makes a huge difference.
• Keep the heat low to avoid curdling the cream.
• Add the lemon juice gradually and taste as you go to adjust the acidity.
• If the sauce is too thick, add a tablespoon of milk or cream to reach your desired consistency.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Can I use milk instead of heavy cream? While you can use milk, the sauce won’t be as rich and creamy. For the best result, stick with heavy cream.
• Can I make this sauce ahead of time? This sauce is best served immediately. If you make it ahead, it may separate slightly, but it can be gently reheated on low heat, whisking often.
• Can I freeze this sauce? Freezing isn’t recommended, as the sauce may separate upon thawing.
• Can I use bottled lemon juice? Freshly squeezed lemon juice is always preferred for its bright, fresh flavor, but bottled juice can be used in a pinch.
• Can I substitute the Parmesan cheese? Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano are good alternatives, or you can omit the cheese if needed.

Variations and Customization Options

Here are some ways to personalize your lemon cream sauce:

• Garlic Lemon Cream Sauce: Sauté a clove of minced garlic in the butter before adding the cream for a garlicky kick.
• Spicy Lemon Cream Sauce: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a touch of heat.
• Herbaceous Lemon Cream Sauce: Infuse the cream with a sprig of fresh thyme or rosemary for a more complex flavor.
• Vegan Lemon Cream Sauce: Substitute the heavy cream with a cashew cream or coconut cream for a plant-based alternative.

Serving Suggestions

This lemon cream sauce is incredibly versatile. Toss it with your favorite pasta, drizzle it over grilled chicken or fish, use it as a dipping sauce for steamed artichokes, or pour it over roasted vegetables. It’s also delicious on homemade pizza or as a sauce for ravioli. The possibilities are endless!

Conclusion

This lemon cream sauce is truly a game-changer – it’s easy to make, bursting with flavor, and incredibly versatile. It’s the perfect sauce to have in your back pocket to elevate any dish. Give it a try and let me know what you think! Don’t forget to share your creations with me – I’d love to see how you’re using this incredible sauce! Consider subscribing for more delicious recipes!

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