Save to Pinterest The first time I made this lemon capellini was during a heatwave when my oven broke and I refused to order takeout. I tossed together whatever I had in the fridge, and that bright, herby bowl saved dinner. Something about the way the lemon hits the butter creates this silky sauce that clings to every strand of capellini. My roommate walked in, took one bite, and asked if I had secretly become a chef. Now it is the meal I make when I need something fast but fancy.
Last summer I served this at a last minute dinner party when friends dropped by unannounced. Everyone hovered around the stove watching me toss the pasta with those vibrant green herbs. One friend admitted she normally hates lemon pasta but went back for seconds. The whole kitchen smelled like lemon and butter and happiness.
Ingredients
- 350 g capellini: Angel hair pasta is delicate and cooks quickly so watch it closely
- 60 g unsalted butter: Butter creates the silky base that carries all the bright lemon flavor
- Zest and juice of 2 lemons: Both zest and juice are essential for that punchy citrus brightness
- 60 ml reserved pasta water: This starchy liquid is the secret to emulsifying the sauce perfectly
- 50 g freshly grated Parmesan: Use a microplane and grate it yourself for the best melting texture
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley: Flat leaf parsley adds earthy freshness without overpowering
- 2 tbsp fresh basil: Sweet basil brings a gentle aromatic note that pairs beautifully with lemon
- 1 tbsp fresh chives: Chives add a mild onion bite that balances the richness
Instructions
- Boil the pasta:
- Cook the capellini in heavily salted water until just al dente then scoop out that precious pasta water before draining
- Infuse the butter:
- Melt butter in a large skillet and stir in lemon zest for 30 seconds until the kitchen fills with citrus aroma
- Create the sauce base:
- Whisk in lemon juice and pasta water letting it bubble for a minute to meld the flavors
- Coat the pasta:
- Add drained capellini to the skillet and toss gently until every strand glistens with sauce
- Add richness:
- Sprinkle Parmesan and black pepper over the pasta tossing until the cheese melts into a silky coating
- Finish with herbs:
- Remove from heat scatter in chopped herbs and give one last gentle toss to distribute the green flecks
Save to Pinterest My grandmother tried this recipe and declared it better than the lemon pasta she had in Rome. She now requests it every time she visits and stands at the stove watching me toss it just right.
Choosing the Right Herbs
Fresh herbs make this dish sing but I learned the hard way that dried herbs are not worth using here. The combination of parsley basil and chives creates layers of flavor without competing with the lemon.
Getting the Sauce Consistency Right
The sauce should look glossy and coat each strand thinly not thickly. If it seems too loose keep tossing and it will come together as the starch activates.
Making It Your Own
This recipe is incredibly forgiving once you understand the base technique. Add a splash of cream if you want it richer or toss in sauteed shrimp for protein.
- Let the pasta rest for one minute after tossing so the sauce really clings
- Room temperature butter melts faster and creates a smoother emulsion
- Always finish with fresh herbs because heat kills their delicate oils
Save to Pinterest This lemon capellini is proof that the simplest ingredients treated with care can become something magical. Enjoy every bright twirly bite.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of pasta is best for this dish?
Capellini, also known as angel hair, works best due to its thin strands that easily absorb the lemon butter sauce.
- → How do I ensure the sauce is silky and well-coated?
Reserve some pasta water during draining and add it to the sauce; the starch helps emulsify the butter and lemon juice into a smooth coating.
- → Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Fresh herbs truly enhance the brightness and aroma; if needed, use about one-third the quantity of dried herbs, added earlier in the cooking process.
- → Is Parmesan cheese necessary in this preparation?
Parmesan adds a savory depth and creamy texture, but you can omit or substitute with a plant-based alternative for dietary needs.
- → How long does this dish take to prepare?
Preparation and cooking take about 20 minutes total, making it a quick and elegant option.