Lemon Butter Pasta Light (Printable Version)

Bright capellini in silky lemon-butter sauce. Ready in 20 minutes.

# What You'll Need:

→ Pasta

01 - 12 oz capellini (angel hair pasta)
02 - 1 tablespoon salt (for pasta water)

→ Sauce

03 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter
04 - 2 large lemons, zested and juiced (about 1/4 cup juice)
05 - 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

→ Finishing

06 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus additional for serving
07 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
08 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
09 - Salt, to taste

# Steps:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add capellini and cook until al dente, about 2–3 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
02 - Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Stir in olive oil, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Warm for 1–2 minutes.
03 - Add drained capellini to the skillet and toss to coat evenly. Add reserved pasta water as needed to achieve a silky consistency.
04 - Remove from heat. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
05 - Divide among plates. Garnish with extra Parmesan and parsley if desired. Serve immediately.

# Expert Insights:

01 -
  • Ready in 20 minutes: Perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • Bright and fresh: The combination of lemon zest, juice, and butter creates a sauce that's both rich and refreshing.
  • Versatile: Enjoy it as a light main dish or serve as an elegant side alongside grilled chicken or fish.
  • Family-friendly: The gentle flavors appeal to adults and children alike, making it a crowd-pleasing option.
02 -
  • Don't overcook the pasta: Capellini cooks in just 2–3 minutes, so test it frequently to avoid mushy noodles.
  • Room temperature ingredients: Let your butter come to room temperature for a smoother sauce that emulsifies more easily.
  • Fresh is best: Use freshly squeezed lemon juice rather than bottled for the brightest, most authentic flavor.
  • Serve immediately: This dish is best enjoyed right away while the sauce is silky and the pasta is perfectly coated.
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