Lemon Caper Pasta is a simple pasta dish that is made with angel hair pasta tossed in bright lemon caper sauce. Buttery and zesty, this dish can be served warm or cold.
We LOVE capers. If you have never had a caper before, I encourage you to try them. Capers are the buds of the flinders rose, also known as a caper bush. They taste a little bit like an olive but with more lemon flavor.
We enjoy them in things like Caper Chicken Salad, Tuna Rice Salad, and Pesto Orzo Salad. They are so easy because they require no prep work or chopping (They come in a glass jar in brine. You'll find them at the store generally by the olives and pickles) but they pack a punch flavor wise.
We love a simple pasta dish around here, and this one reminds me of both lemon ricotta pasta and Pasta with Peas and Bacon.
Simple, fresh ingredients chosen carefully to maximize flavor and create a pasta dish that takes minutes to make but is absolutely delicious. Serve this dish alongside baked salmon, grilled chicken, shrimp (like this easy Shrimp Scampi without Wine), or even on its own for a simple lunch.
This easy lemon caper pasta recipe only requires 7 ingredients and takes just 10 minutes to make. Here's what you'll need.
Ingredients
- Angel hair pasta- This delicate, thin noodle pairs well with the light sauce.
- Capers- Capers come in different sizes, from petite to extra large. Any size will work, it is a matter of preference.
- Lemon- Both the juice and zest are used for maximum lemon flavor.
- Butter- This adds richness to the sauce and helps coat the pasta.
- Garlic- Use fresh garlic, rather than jarred. There are so few ingredients in this dish, each one really shines through.
- White Wine- A pinot grigio or sauvignon blanc are both good options. If you prefer not to use wine, chicken or vegetable broth can be used in its place.
- Chopped fresh parsley- Italian flat leaf parsley is what I recommend. It adds both color and flavor to the dish. Fresh basil could be used as a substitute.
How to Make Lemon Caper Pasta
Step 1. Cook pasta according to the packaging instructions. While the pasta is cooking, place a large skillet over medium heat. Melt butter and add minced garlic. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 2. Reduce heat to medium-low. Add wine and reduce by half, around 3-4 minutes. Add capers, lemon zest, and fresh lemon juice. Stir to combine. Simmer for 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat.
Step 3. Drain pasta and add to sauce along with the chopped parsley.
Step 4. Stir to coat and serve. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes and parmesan cheese, if desired.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to a week. Serve leftovers cold or reheat in a pan on the stove, adding a splash of wine or stock to reinvigorate the sauce.
More Pasta Dishes
Lemon Caper Pasta
Ingredients
- ½ lb. angel hair pasta
- 4 tbsp. butter
- 5 garlic cloves minced
- 1 lemon zest and juice
- ⅓ cup capers drained
- ½ cup white wine
- ½ cup fresh parsley chopped
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to the packaging instructions.
- While the pasta is cooking, place a large skillet over medium heat.
- Melt butter and add minced garlic. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Reduce heat to medium-low. Add wine and reduce by half, around 3-4 minutes.
- Add capers, lemon zest, and fresh lemon juice. Stir to combine. Simmer for 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Drain pasta and add to sauce along with the chopped parsley. Stir to coat and serve.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes and parmesan cheese, if desired.
Angela
Such a simple, yet deliciously fresh recipe!!
Sarah Baumeister
Thank you so much for your kind comment!