Capellini with Garlic, Lemon and Parmesan
User Reviews
5
Capellini with Garlic, Lemon and Parmesan
Description
This recipe uses capellini pasta boiled until tender and then combined with a buttery sauté of minced shallots and thinly sliced garlic cloves. The addition of lemon zest and juice introduces a fresh brightness that lifts the richness of the butter. Salt and black pepper season the dish simply, allowing the individual flavors to shine.
Crucially, some starchy pasta water is saved when draining and added back to the skillet, helping to thicken the sauce slightly and ensuring the pasta is glossy and coated without being heavy. The dish is finished with red pepper flakes for a hint of heat and a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan for savory depth.
Capellini can be replaced by angel hair or thin spaghetti if unavailable. The seasoning of pasta water is important to flavor the noodles internally. This recipe works well as a light main course or side and can be served on its own or with a simple green salad.
Butter adds a subtle nutty flavor and the cooking time is short, preventing garlic from burning while developing flavor. Using fresh lemon zest for garnish brightens the presentation and flavor profile.
Ingredients
- ½ pound capellini
- 3 1/2 tablespoons butter unsalted
- 2 tablespoons shallot minced
- 3 garlic thinly sliced cloves
- 1 lemon zested and juiced
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
garnish
- lemon zest
- red pepper flakes
- Parmesan Cheese grated
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and bring to a boil.
- Add a handful of salt followed by the pasta and boil for 5 to 6 minutes or until the pasta is cooked through.
- Drain and set aside, Reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Place a large skillet over medium heat and add butter. Once butter has melted add shallots and garlic and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes. Add pasta and pasta water and season with salt and pepper and toss together for 1 minute. Lower heat to medium. Add lemon zest and juice and continue to sauté for 2 minute. Finish pasta with additional lemon zest, a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes and a generous amount of freshly grated Parmesan. Toss together and serve.
Notes
- Angel hair is thinner than capellini; thin spaghetti is thicker. Either can be substituted for capellini.
- Salt heavily in the pasta water to season pasta internally, reducing need for salt in the final dish.
- Pasta water adds starch to thicken and bind the butter sauce to the noodles.
- Butter creates a subtle nutty flavor and holds well over medium heat for this quick sauté.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 368 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 368kcal | 18% |
| Carbohydrates | 46g | 15% |
| Protein | 8g | 16% |
| Fat | 17g | 26% |
| Saturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
| Cholesterol | 15mg | 5% |
| Sodium | 6mg | 0% |
| Potassium | 189mg | 4% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 3g | 6% |
| Vitamin A | 175IU | 4% |
| Vitamin C | 15mg | 17% |
| Calcium | 23mg | 2% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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