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Lemon Caper Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 103 reviews

This Lemon Caper Pasta is a bright and flavorful dish featuring al dente pasta tossed with a tangy lemon and caper sauce, enhanced with fresh herbs and parmesan cheese. Perfect for a quick, light meal, it combines zesty citrus, briny capers, and savory garlic for a delightful Mediterranean-inspired dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Base Ingredients

  • 8 oz pasta (long or short shape)
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • ¼ cup capers in brine
  • Juice and zest of 1 large lemon
  • Fresh herbs (parsley or thyme), chopped
  • ½ cup pasta water (reserved)
  • ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for vegan option)
  • 1 tablespoon butter

Instructions

  1. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve half a cup of the pasta water for the sauce.
  2. Sauté Garlic: In a skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes, sautéing until the garlic is fragrant but not browned, about 1-2 minutes.
  3. Add Capers and Lemon: Stir in the capers, lemon juice, and lemon zest into the skillet. Let the mixture simmer gently for about a minute to meld the flavors.
  4. Toss Pasta: Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet with the lemon-caper mixture. Pour in the reserved pasta water and toss everything together thoroughly to create a cohesive sauce that coats the pasta.
  5. Finish and Serve: Mix in the chopped fresh herbs and grated parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast if vegan. For a creamier texture and richer flavor, stir in the tablespoon of butter. Serve immediately while warm.

Notes

  • For a vegan version, replace parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast and substitute butter with a plant-based margarine or olive oil.
  • Adjust the amount of lemon juice and capers according to your taste for more tang or brininess.
  • Fresh herbs such as parsley or thyme complement the dish well; feel free to combine both or use your favorite herbs.
  • Be careful not to overcook garlic to prevent bitterness.
  • Use pasta water to help emulsify the sauce and better coat the pasta.

Keywords: lemon pasta, caper pasta, quick pasta recipe, Mediterranean pasta, easy dinner, vegetarian pasta, lemon caper sauce

Find it online: https://spatulaqueen.com/lemon-caper-pasta-recipe/