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20-Minute Lemon Caper Pasta

20-Minute Lemon Caper Pasta That Brightens Any Weeknight

A quick and vibrant 20-Minute Lemon Caper Pasta that enhances your weeknights with zesty flavor and simple ingredients.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 339

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 ounces Pasta Choose any shape, shells or rotini work best.
For the Sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Butter Substitute with olive oil for a vegan option.
  • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil Opt for high-quality for the best taste.
  • 3 cloves Garlic Use fresh minced garlic.
  • 1/2 cup Dry White Wine or Broth Low-sodium vegetable broth is a good alternative.
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon Zest Always use fresh lemons.
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice Always use fresh lemons.
  • 2 tablespoons Capers No need to rinse unless reducing saltiness.
Seasoning & Garnish
  • to taste Salt Kosher salt is recommended.
  • to taste Pepper
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley Chopped for garnish.

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Skillet

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve ½ cup of the starchy pasta water, then drain.
  2. In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of butter and olive oil over medium heat until melted, about 1-2 minutes. Add garlic, sautéing for 30-60 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Pour in the white wine or broth, allowing it to simmer for 1-2 minutes to deglaze the pan.
  4. Stir in the remaining tablespoon of butter, lemon zest, lemon juice, and capers. Sauté for another minute to meld the flavors.
  5. Add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat with the sauce. Add reserved pasta water slowly until desired consistency is reached.
  6. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve immediately, garnished with parsley.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 339kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 8gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 8gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 250mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 2mg

Notes

This recipe is quick, vibrant, and perfect for weeknight dinners. Adjust lemon and seasoning to your preference for optimal flavor.

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