Go Back
–+ servings
Lemon Caper Pasta

Lemon Caper Pasta: Brighten Your Dinner in Just 20 Minutes

Lemon Caper Pasta is a quick and vibrant dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights, bringing bright flavors to your dinner table in just 20 minutes.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 oz Pasta Use any type you prefer; shapes like shells or rotini work well.
For the Sauce
  • 1 tbsp Butter Adds a rich base; substitute with olive oil for vegan option.
  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil Enhances flavor and helps sauté garlic.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Minced for even distribution.
  • 2 tbsp Capers Provides a tangy, briny bite.
  • 1/2 cup Dry White Wine or Low-Sodium Vegetable Broth Adds acidity and depth.
  • 1 tbsp Lemon Zest Contributes aromatic oils.
  • 2 tbsp Lemon Juice Offers acidity.
  • to taste Kosher Salt Adjust to taste.
  • to taste Black Pepper Adjust to taste.
For Garnish
  • 1/4 cup Parsley Freshly chopped.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • spacious skillet

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a large pot, bring salted water to a vigorous boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions for 8–10 minutes until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, drain the rest, and return pasta to pot.
  2. In a spacious skillet, melt butter over medium heat until foamy, about 1 minute. Drizzle in olive oil, add minced garlic, and sauté for 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Pour in dry white wine (or broth); let simmer for 1-2 minutes until it thickens slightly. Stir in remaining butter, lemon zest, lemon juice, capers, and a splash of reserved pasta water; simmer for another minute.
  4. Add drained pasta to skillet, tossing gently in the sauce. Incorporate additional reserved pasta water until desired consistency is achieved. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
  5. Remove from heat and transfer Lemon Caper Pasta to plates or a serving bowl. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve immediately with lemon wedges.

Nutrition

Serving: 1plateCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 10gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Taste the sauce before adding extra salt due to the saltiness from the capers. Reserve pasta water, and avoid burning the garlic by sautéing until just fragrant.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!