Description
Zesty lemon caper pasta delivers a Mediterranean-inspired culinary journey through Italy’s coastal regions. Bright citrus notes and briny capers create a simple yet elegant pasta dish packed with fresh, tangy flavors you’ll crave.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 12 ounces (340 grams) spaghetti or linguine
- 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) olive oil
- 1/4 cup (40 grams) capers, drained and rinsed
Aromatics and Seasonings:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Zest and juice of 2 lemons
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish and Finishing:
- 1/4 cup (25 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup (15 grams) chopped fresh parsley
- Lemon slices (optional)
Instructions
- Boil pasta in salted water until perfectly tender, following package guidelines for al dente texture. Drain thoroughly and reserve.
- Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium temperature, creating a gentle sizzling surface.
- Introduce finely chopped garlic, allowing it to release its aromatic essence and turn golden, approximately 60-90 seconds.
- Incorporate briny capers, vibrant lemon zest, and tangy fresh lemon juice. Allow ingredients to meld and intensify for 1-2 minutes.
- Transfer drained pasta into the skillet, gently rotating and coating each strand with the zesty, herbaceous sauce.
- Eliminate heat source and sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese, creating a creamy texture that clings to the pasta.
- Scatter chopped parsley across the dish, providing a burst of fresh herbal notes and visual appeal.
- Calibrate seasoning with precise salt and pepper additions, ensuring a balanced flavor profile.
- Present immediately on warmed plates, optionally adorning with delicate lemon slice garnish for an elegant finishing touch.
Notes
- Select briny capers that are packed in salt for the most intense flavor profile and authentic Mediterranean taste.
- Grate fresh Parmesan cheese directly over the pasta for maximum aromatic punch and richer texture compared to pre-grated versions.
- Use fresh lemon zest and juice to brighten the entire dish, ensuring you choose firm, ripe lemons without soft spots or discoloration.
- Adjust the sauce consistency by reserving some pasta water, which helps create a silkier coating and prevents the pasta from becoming too dry.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 7 mg