Lemon Capellini Fresh Herbs (Printable Version)

Silky capellini in lemon butter sauce enhanced by fresh parsley, basil, and chives for a bright finish.

# Ingredient List:

→ Pasta

01 - 12 oz capellini (angel hair pasta)
02 - Salt, for pasta water

→ Sauce

03 - 4 tbsp unsalted butter
04 - Zest of 2 lemons
05 - Juice of 2 lemons (about 4 tbsp)
06 - 1/4 cup reserved pasta water
07 - 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
08 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Herbs and Garnish

09 - 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
10 - 2 tbsp fresh basil, finely chopped
11 - 1 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped
12 - Extra lemon zest, for garnish (optional)
13 - Extra Parmesan, for serving (optional)

# How to Make:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the capellini and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until just al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water and drain the pasta.
02 - Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add lemon zest and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
03 - Add lemon juice and reserved pasta water to the skillet. Stir to combine and simmer for 1 minute.
04 - Add drained capellini to the skillet and gently toss to coat with the lemon butter sauce.
05 - Sprinkle Parmesan cheese and season with freshly ground black pepper. Toss until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes silky. Add a splash more pasta water if needed for creaminess.
06 - Remove from heat and add parsley, basil, and chives. Toss lightly to combine.
07 - Plate immediately, garnishing with additional lemon zest, herbs, and Parmesan if desired.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • It comes together faster than takeout and tastes like you fussed over it for hours.
  • The sauce is silky without being heavy, so you can eat a full bowl and still feel light.
  • Fresh herbs make it feel like spring no matter what season it actually is.
02 -
  • Reserve your pasta water before you drain—I forgot once and the whole dish was dry and sad.
  • Don't cook the capellini all the way; it keeps cooking when it hits the hot pan, and you'll end up with mush if you're not careful.
03 -
  • If you want richness without heaviness, stir in a spoonful of mascarpone right at the end off the heat.
  • This dish is a canvas—add sautéed shrimp, grilled chicken, or even just white beans and it becomes something entirely different but equally wonderful.
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