Lemon Caper Pasta

This creamy Lemon Caper Pasta recipe is a perfect meal for a busy weeknight dinner. It’s very simple to make with a handful of ingredients and has a bright and refreshing flavor that’s perfect for a summer day. Try this recipe today and see how it becomes your go-to recipe for a quick and delicious meal. Enjoy!

Lemon pasta with capers

If you’re looking for a quick and easy pasta recipe that’s bursting with flavor, look no further than this lemon and caper pasta. This dish is the perfect combination of creamy lemon caper sauce tossed with spaghetti. It’s one of those dishes that’s easy to whip up because of the use of simple ingredients and it only takes about 20 – 30 minutes. So let’s get cooking! You can head straight to the recipe card for the full recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Lemon Capers Pasta Recipe

• The tangy flavor of the lemon in the creamy sauce is refreshing and satisfying. It’s perfect for those who love a bit of zest in their pasta.
• The briny taste of the capers adds a unique flavor profile to the dish. If you’re a fan of salty foods, this recipe is sure to satisfy you.
• The creamy sauce is easy to prepare and pairs well with a variety of pasta shapes. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion meal.
• The addition of grated Parmesan cheese provides a perfect salty and nutty balance to the creamy sauce.
• This recipe is versatile and can be easily adapted to suit your dietary preferences. You can use gluten-free pasta, swap out the heavy cream for a dairy-free alternative, or add more vegetables or protein to make it a complete meal.

List of ingredients for creamy pasta with capers

• Pasta is the main ingredient in this dish and provides the base for the creamy sauce to cling to. I chose spaghetti for this recipe.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil is used in combination with butter to keep the butter from burning. Olive oil also has a unique aroma that contributes to this pasta dish.
• The heavy cream adds richness and creaminess to the sauce. It also helps to balance out the acidity of the lemon.
• Parmesan Cheese adds a nutty and salty flavor to the dish. It also helps to thicken the sauce and adds creaminess.
• Using butter adds richness and depth of flavor to the sauce. It also helps to create a smooth and silky texture.
• cloves of Garlic: adds a pungent and savory flavor to the sauce. It also helps to balance out the acidity of the lemon.
• The briny capers add a salty flavor to the dish. They also add texture and interest to the lemon caper pasta sauce.
• The lemon is the star of this dish adding a bright and tangy flavor to the dish. The juice also helps to cut through the richness of the sauce and the lemon zest adds a sprinkle of flavor.
• Salt and black pepper are essential for seasoning and balancing out the flavors of the dish.
• Red chili flakes add a bit of heat to the dish and adjust according to preference.
• Parsley adds a fresh and herbaceous flavor to the dish. It also adds a pop of green color and texture to the final dish.

Optional ingredients and substitutions

• You can use either vegetable broth or pasta water to loosen the sauce if it’s too thick.
• Fettuccini or Linguini is a great substitute.

Instructions for easy lemon caper pasta

1. Cook the pasta in a large pot of water, add salt, and cook according to package instructions or until al dente.
2. In a large skillet, add olive oil, and melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for a minute or two until fragrant to begin making the lemon caper sauce.
3. Add the heavy cream, parmesan, and capers to the saucepan. Stir well and let it simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
4. Add the fresh lemon juice and zest to the sauce and stir well. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Next, add red pepper flakes along with parsley.
6. Add the cooked spaghetti and 1/4 cup of pasta water to the sauce and toss well until the pasta is coated with the lemon caper cream sauce.
7. Sprinkle extra grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and toss well.
8. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Variations and customizations

• Add grilled chicken: adding grilled chicken breast slices or chunks can add protein and make the dish heartier. Marinate the chicken in lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and fresh herbs for extra flavor.

• Shrimp: for seafood lovers, shrimp is a fantastic addition. Sauté shrimp with garlic and lemon zest until cooked through, then toss into the cooked pasta.

• Cherry tomatoes: halved cherry tomatoes add a burst of freshness and color. Sauté them briefly with garlic and olive oil until they just start to soften, then toss with the pasta.

• Spinach or arugula: fresh greens add vibrancy and nutrients. Toss in a handful of baby spinach or arugula leaves just before serving for a pop of color and freshness.

• Parmesan cheese: finish the dish with a generous sprinkling of freshly grated Parmesan cheese for extra richness and flavor. The salty, nutty taste of Parmesan complements the tangy lemon and briny capers perfectly.

• Pine nuts: toasted pine nuts add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor. Simply toast them in a dry skillet until golden brown, then sprinkle over the finished pasta just before serving.

What to serve this lemon caper pasta with

This lemon caper pasta pairs well with a variety of side dishes that complement its flavors and provide a balanced meal. Here are some ideas:

• Garlic Bread: A classic side dish that complements the flavors of the pasta while providing a satisfying crunch and extra garlic flavor.

• Mixed Green Salad: A simple salad with a light vinaigrette dressing can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta. Consider using a lemon-based dressing for a cohesive flavor profile.

• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts seasoned with olive oil, garlic, and a squeeze of lemon can add depth and texture to the meal.

• Grilled Vegetables: Grilled zucchini, eggplant, bell peppers, and onions make for a flavorful and colorful side dish that pairs well with the pasta.

• Caprese Salad: Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze or a tangy vinaigrette creates a light and refreshing accompaniment.

How to store and reheat

If you have leftovers, you can store this dish in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To store, transfer the pasta and sauce to an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to eat, reheat the pasta in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

You may need to add a splash of milk or chicken broth to the pasta to help rehydrate the pasta and loosen the sauce. Keep in mind that the sauce may thicken as it cools, so it’s best to reheat the pasta in smaller portions to ensure that it heats up evenly.

Other lemony recipes you’ll love

Air Fryer Lemongrass Chicken Skewers

Refreshing Lychee Lemonade

Lemon Kale Pasta

Chicken Lemongrass Stir Fry