Save The scent of dill always takes me back to my grandmother's balcony garden, where she grew thick bushes of it in terracotta pots. I make this pasta on rainy Tuesdays when I need something that feels like a warm embrace but isn't too heavy. One time I forgot to buy heavy cream and used milk with a splash of sour cream, and my husband actually preferred it. The way the lemon hits the cream makes the whole kitchen feel brighter somehow.
Last spring my cousin came over exhausted from residency interviews, and I made this while she sat at the counter with her head in her hands. She perked up the moment the garlic hit the butter, and we ate standing up because neither of us wanted to bother with plates. Now she texts me every time she makes it, which is often, because it's become her comfort dinner after long shifts at the hospital.
Ingredients
- Pasta: Fettuccine holds sauce beautifully, but penne works if that's what you have in the pantry
- Unsalted butter: Lets you control the salt level since the Parmesan and pasta water add seasoning too
- Garlic: Fresh minced is non negotiable here, powder gives a weird gritty texture in cream sauces
- Lemon zest and juice: Both are essential for that bright punch that cuts through the richness
- Heavy cream: Creates the silky base, though I've successfully used half and half in a pinch
- Dijon mustard: The secret ingredient that adds depth without making it taste like mustard
- Parmesan: Use a wedge you grate yourself, pre grated has anti caking agents that make sauce grainy
- Fresh dill: Wilts into the sauce beautifully, dried dill tastes like dusty lawn clippings by comparison
Instructions
- Get the pasta going:
- Boil salted water and cook pasta until al dente, saving some starchy water before draining
- Build the flavor base:
- Melt butter and sauté garlic with lemon zest just until fragrant, about one minute
- Create the sauce:
- Whisk in cream, lemon juice, and mustard, then simmer until thickened slightly
- Add the cheese:
- Stir in Parmesan until melted and smooth, seasoning with salt and pepper
- Bring it together:
- Toss pasta in the skillet, adding pasta water as needed for that perfect coating consistency
- Finish with fresh herbs:
- Fold in dill and peas until everything's heated through and coated
Save This became my go to bring to new parents because it reheats surprisingly well and feels fancy without requiring much energy. My friend Sarah texted me at midnight once to say it saved her during a particularly rough teething week with her twins, which might be the best review I've ever received.
Making It Lighter
Half and half works beautifully if you want something less rich, though the sauce won't coat quite as thickly. I've also tried Greek yogurt thinned with pasta water, which adds a tangy brightness that works surprisingly well with the dill.
Adding More Substance
Sautéed mushrooms or asparagus turn this into a more substantial meal, especially if you're serving hungry people. Smoked salmon makes it feel elegant, though I've found grilled chicken works just as well for a non fish option.
Worth Keeping in Mind
The sauce waits patiently while pasta cooks, so prep your ingredients before starting the water. Overcooked pasta turns this into mush, so pull it a minute early and let it finish in the sauce.
- Grate cheese while water heats to save time
- Measure cream and juice into one cup
- Minced garlic releases more flavor if you let it sit 10 minutes before cooking
Save I hope this becomes one of those recipes you know by heart, the kind you make without thinking when comfort is what you need most.
Cooking Q&A
- → What type of pasta works best for this dish?
Long pasta like fettuccine, linguine, or penne hold the creamy sauce well and complement the delicate flavors of dill and lemon.
- → Can I substitute the heavy cream?
Yes, half-and-half offers a lighter alternative, while still maintaining a creamy texture in the sauce.
- → How do I keep the sauce smooth and silky?
Reserving some pasta water to add to the sauce helps achieve a perfect silky consistency that clings to each strand.
- → Is smoked salmon necessary for the dish?
No, smoked salmon is optional and can be omitted for a vegetarian version without compromising the dish's flavor.
- → What garnishes enhance the final presentation?
Extra fresh dill and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan add color and a fresh, savory finish.
- → Can vegetables be added to this pasta?
Yes, peas, sautéed mushrooms, or asparagus make excellent additions to boost texture and nutrition.