Stanley Tucci’s Creamy Lemon Recipe is a simple pasta dish with fresh Italian flavor. This recipe became famous because it uses basic ingredients and cooks very fast.
The mix of lemon juice, zest, cheese and pasta water creates a smooth sauce. Stanley Tucci’s Creamy Lemon Recipe feels rich but still light on the stomach. Many people love it for busy nights.
If you want comfort food with bright taste, this dish is perfect. Today, you will learn how to make Stanley Tucci’s Creamy Lemon Recipe easily at home.
My Experience With This Recipe
I tried this recipe on a weeknight when I wanted quick comfort food. I already had lemons and pasta in my kitchen.
The sauce came together faster than expected. The lemon smell felt fresh and clean. When I tasted it, I felt surprised by its balance.
It tasted creamy without heavy cream. The cheese melted smoothly into the pasta. Now, I cook this dish often for family dinners. Everyone enjoys its light and creamy flavor.
Recipe Card Info
- Recipe Name: Stanley Tucci’s Creamy Lemon Recipe
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Course: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
- Calories: 420 kcal per serving

Equipment List
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Mixing bowl for lemon and cheese
- Fine grater for lemon zest and cheese
- Ladle for saving pasta water
- Tongs for tossing pasta gently
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients You Need for Stanley Tucci’s Creamy Lemon Recipe
- Reserved pasta cooking water – 1 cup
- Spaghetti or linguine – 400 grams
- Fresh lemons – 2 large
- Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, finely grated – 1 cup
- Extra virgin olive oil – 3 tablespoons
- Black pepper, freshly ground – 1 teaspoon
- Salt – to taste
Instructions
1. Boil the Pasta
Fill a large pot with water. Add salt generously. Boil pasta until al dente. Save one cup pasta water.
2. Prepare Lemon Mixture
Grate lemon zest into a bowl. Add lemon juice and olive oil. Mix gently until combined and smooth.
3. Add Cheese Slowly
Add grated cheese to lemon mixture. Stir gently. The mixture should look thick and creamy.
4. Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add hot pasta to the bowl. Toss gently using tongs. Add small pasta water splashes.
5. Adjust Texture
Keep mixing until sauce coats pasta evenly. Add more pasta water if needed for smoothness.
6. Season and Serve
Add black pepper and salt. Toss again. Serve immediately while warm and creamy.
Recipe Tips
- Always use fresh lemons for the best flavor and aroma.
- Finely grate the cheese so it melts smoothly into the sauce.
- Salt the pasta water well to build flavor from the start.
- Do not overcook the pasta. Al dente texture works best.
- Add pasta water slowly to control sauce thickness.
- Mix the sauce while pasta is still hot.
- Serve the dish immediately for the creamiest texture.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 kcal |
| Protein | 14 g |
| Carbohydrates | 55 g |
| Fat | 16 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sodium | 420 mg |
Serving Suggestions
Stanley Tucci’s Creamy Lemon Recipe tastes best when served fresh and hot. You can add extra cheese on top before serving. A little lemon zest adds extra brightness.
This pasta works well for lunch or dinner. It also pairs nicely with a simple salad. Serve it with warm bread for a complete meal.
Best Sides To Serve With
This dish pairs well with garlic bread or focaccia. A green salad with olive oil dressing works perfectly.
Roasted vegetables like asparagus or zucchini taste great alongside. Grilled chicken or shrimp can be added for protein. A light soup also complements this pasta nicely.
Storage and Reheating Tips
This pasta tastes best fresh, but leftovers can be stored. Place leftovers in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to two days.
Reheat gently on the stove. Add a little water while reheating. Avoid microwaving too long to prevent dryness.

Stanley Tucci’s Creamy Lemon Recipe
Ingredients
- Reserved pasta cooking water – 1 cup
- Spaghetti or linguine – 400 grams
- Fresh lemons – 2 large
- Parmigiano Reggiano cheese finely grated – 1 cup
- Extra virgin olive oil – 3 tablespoons
- Black pepper freshly ground – 1 teaspoon
- Salt – to taste
Instructions
Boil the Pasta
- Fill a large pot with water. Add salt generously. Boil pasta until al dente. Save one cup pasta water.
Prepare Lemon Mixture
- Grate lemon zest into a bowl. Add lemon juice and olive oil. Mix gently until combined and smooth.
Add Cheese Slowly
- Add grated cheese to lemon mixture. Stir gently. The mixture should look thick and creamy.
Combine Pasta and Sauce
- Add hot pasta to the bowl. Toss gently using tongs. Add small pasta water splashes.
Adjust Texture
- Keep mixing until sauce coats pasta evenly. Add more pasta water if needed for smoothness.
Season and Serve
- Add black pepper and salt. Toss again. Serve immediately while warm and creamy.
Notes
- Always use fresh lemons for the best flavor and aroma.
- Finely grate the cheese so it melts smoothly into the sauce.
- Salt the pasta water well to build flavor from the start.
- Do not overcook the pasta. Al dente texture works best.
- Add pasta water slowly to control sauce thickness.
- Mix the sauce while pasta is still hot.
- Serve the dish immediately for the creamiest texture.
FAQs about Stanley Tucci’s Creamy Lemon Recipe
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Yes, you can use linguine, fettuccine or penne. Long pasta works best because it holds sauce better.
Is heavy cream used in this recipe?
No, this recipe uses cheese and pasta water. That combination creates a creamy texture naturally.
How do I prevent the cheese from clumping?
Make sure the pasta is hot but not steaming. Add pasta water slowly and mix gently.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
It is best served fresh. If needed, prepare ingredients ahead but combine just before serving.
Is this recipe good for beginners?
Yes, this dish is very easy. It uses simple steps and basic ingredients.
Conclusion
Stanley Tucci’s Creamy Lemon Recipe proves that simple food can taste amazing. This dish uses few ingredients but delivers bright and creamy flavor.
It is perfect for quick meals and special moments. Now you know how to make Stanley Tucci’s Creamy Lemon Recipe easily at home.
Try it once and it may become your favorite comfort pasta. Happy cooking and enjoy every bite.
Sara Collins is a food blogger at TastyDive. She shares simple and family-friendly recipes made with everyday ingredients. Her mission is to help home cooks enjoy tasty meals without stress.


















Leave a Review