Lemon Caper Pasta
Just a handful of ingredients and 20 minutes are all you need to make this delightful lemon caper pasta. A fresh, easy main or elegant side!
Servings: 4
Calories: 339kcal
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta any kind
- 2 Tablespoons butter divided
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 3-4 cloves garlic minced
- 1/4 cup dry white wine or low-sodium vegetable broth
- zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 1-2 Tablespoons capers
- kosher salt and black pepper to taste
- 1-2 Tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or 1-2 teaspoons dried
Instructions
- Boil a large pot of water, salt generously, and cook pasta to al dente, according to package directions. When the pasta is tender, scoop out about 1/2 cup of the water; drain the rest and set pasta aside.8 ounces pasta
- While the pasta cooks, melt 1 Tablespoon of the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Swirl in the olive oil, then add garlic. Cook for 30-60 seconds, just until fragrant.2 Tablespoons butter, 2 Tablespoons olive oil, 3-4 cloves garlic
- Add white wine or broth and simmer for 1-2 minutes, just until slightly reduced.1/4 cup dry white wine
- Add the remaining 1 Tablespoon butter plus all of the lemon zest, juice from half of the lemon (about 1 - 1.5 Tablespoons), capers, and a big splash of the reserved pasta water. Simmer this together for about 1 minute, then add the drained pasta and toss well. Add more pasta water if desired to make it a little "saucier."zest and juice of 1 lemon, 1-2 Tablespoons capers
- Sample and season with more lemon and salt and pepper to taste—you may not need much or any, because capers themselves are very salty.kosher salt and black pepper
- Sprinkle with parsley just prior to serving. Enjoy!1-2 Tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Notes
- Capers: You can rinse the capers if desired, especially if you’re trying to minimize the salt factor, but it’s not necessary.
- Variations: Try adding a little Parmesan, red pepper, extra herbs, etc.
- Storage: Leftovers keep at least 3-4 days. Store in your favorite airtight containers in the refrigerator.
- Reheating: Warm in the microwave or over medium-low heat in a small saucepan. Add a splash of broth or water to help loosen the sauce and minimize sticking. An extra squeeze of lemon juice can freshen up reheated portions.
Nutrition
Calories: 339kcal | Carbohydrates: 44g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 15mg | Sodium: 106mg | Potassium: 154mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 262IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 21mg | Iron: 1mg