Tarragon-Parmesan Fettuccine with Lemon Zest

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Creamy pasta tossed with fresh tarragon and lemon, finished with a nutty Parmesan crust. This italian-inspired pasta (gluten-free) ready in about 27 minutes pairs fettuccine pasta, unsalted butter, heavy cream for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 680 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 680 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz fettuccine and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
  2. Step 2: While pasta cooks, melt 3 tbsp unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1/2 cup reserved pasta water, 1 cup heavy cream, 2 tbsp fresh tarragon, and 1 tsp lemon zest. Simmer gently for 3 minutes until slightly thickened and coats the back of a spoon.
  3. Step 3: Add drained fettuccine to the skillet along with 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Toss vigorously for 1 minute until cheese melts and sauce clings to every strand, adding more reserved pasta water if needed to reach desired consistency.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Tarragon-Parmesan Fettuccine with Lemon Zest take to make?

Total time is about 27 minutes (15 min prep + 12 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Tarragon-Parmesan Fettuccine with Lemon Zest?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep fettuccine pasta from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Tarragon-Parmesan Fettuccine with Lemon Zest?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Tarragon-Parmesan Fettuccine with Lemon Zest for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Tarragon-Parmesan Fettuccine with Lemon Zest gluten-free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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