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+ servings
4.82 from 11 votes

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!

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
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Notes

  1. Capers: You can rinse the capers if desired, especially if you’re trying to minimize the salt factor, but it’s not necessary.
  2. Variations: Try adding a little Parmesan, red pepper, extra herbs, etc.
  3. Storage: Leftovers keep at least 3-4 days. Store in your favorite airtight containers in the refrigerator.
  4. 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 Estimate

Calories: 339 kcal, Carbohydrates: 44 g, Protein: 8 g, Fat: 14 g, Saturated Fat: 5 g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1 g, Monounsaturated Fat: 7 g, Trans Fat: 0.2 g, Cholesterol: 15 mg, Sodium: 106 mg, Potassium: 154 mg, Fiber: 2 g, Sugar: 2 g, Vitamin A: 262 IU, Vitamin C: 2 mg, Calcium: 21 mg, Iron: 1 mg