Lemon Butter Pasta Light (Printable)

Bright and zesty capellini tossed in a silky lemon-butter sauce. Quick, refreshing, and ready in just 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 more for serving
07 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
08 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
09 - Salt, to taste

# How To Make It:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the capellini and cook according to package instructions until al dente (typically 2–3 minutes). Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
02 - While the pasta cooks, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the olive oil, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Stir to combine and let it warm through for 1–2 minutes.
03 - Add the drained capellini to the skillet. Toss to coat the pasta evenly, adding reserved pasta water as needed to create a silky sauce.
04 - Remove from heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
05 - Divide among plates, garnish with extra Parmesan and parsley if desired, and serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Quick and Easy: Ready in just 20 minutes from start to finish.
  • Fresh Flavors: Uses real lemon zest and juice for a vibrant taste.
  • Pantry Staples: Made with simple ingredients you likely already have on hand.
02 -
  • Don't Overcook: Capellini is very thin and can turn mushy quickly; check it a minute before the package time.
  • Fresh Citrus: Always use fresh lemon juice rather than bottled for the best flavor.
  • Emulsify: Add the pasta water a splash at a time until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
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