Lemon Butter Capellini with Fresh Herbs is a light, bright, and flavorful pasta dish that perfectly balances the richness of butter with the zesty freshness of lemon and aromatic herbs. This quick and elegant recipe is ideal for weeknight dinners, date nights, or any time you want a comforting yet refreshing meal. The delicate capellini noodles soak up the lemony butter sauce, while the herbs add vibrant color and fragrance, making every bite a delightful experience.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it is incredibly simple yet feels luxurious. The combination of butter, fresh herbs, and lemon creates a clean, bright flavor profile that is both comforting and refreshing. It’s quick to make, requiring minimal ingredients, but delivers a restaurant-quality taste at home.

Why This Is a Must-Try Dish

This dish is a must-try because it’s versatile, quick, and perfect for showcasing fresh ingredients. Whether you serve it as a main course or a side dish, the light lemon-butter sauce and fragrant herbs make it an unforgettable addition to any meal.

Recipe Overview

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories (Approx.): 320 per serving
Course: Main Course / Side Dish
Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

• 8 oz (225 g) capellini (angel hair) pasta
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)

Cooking Directions

Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add capellini and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water and drain the rest.

Prepare the Lemon Butter Sauce
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in lemon zest and lemon juice.

Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add cooked capellini to the skillet, tossing gently to coat. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce if needed. Stir in fresh parsley, basil, and chives. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve with Cheese
Transfer pasta to serving plates and sprinkle with grated Parmesan if desired.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Boil Pasta
Cook capellini in salted water until al dente, reserving some pasta water.

Step 2: Make Lemon Butter Sauce
Melt butter in a skillet, add garlic, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 3: Toss Pasta with Sauce
Add cooked capellini to the skillet, tossing to coat with sauce. Add reserved pasta water as needed.

Step 4: Add Fresh Herbs
Mix in parsley, basil, and chives. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 5: Serve
Plate pasta and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese if desired.

How to Serve This Recipe

Serve warm as a main dish or as a side alongside grilled chicken, shrimp, or fish. Garnish with extra fresh herbs and a wedge of lemon for added freshness.

Recipe Tips

• Do not overcook capellini; it cooks very quickly.
• Adjust lemon juice according to your taste preference.
• Use fresh herbs for the best flavor and aroma.
• Reserve some pasta water to create a smooth and silky sauce.

Variations

• Protein Addition: Add grilled shrimp, chicken, or salmon for a heartier meal.
• Vegetable Boost: Toss in asparagus tips, peas, or baby spinach.
• Cheesy Version: Stir in cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream for a richer sauce.
• Herb Variations: Swap parsley and basil with tarragon or thyme for a different flavor profile.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water or butter to loosen the sauce.
• Freezing: Not recommended, as delicate herbs and capellini texture may be compromised.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Large skillet for the sauce
• Tongs or pasta fork for tossing

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes, spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine work well.

Can I make this vegan?
Yes, replace butter with olive oil and omit Parmesan cheese or use vegan cheese.

How do I keep the pasta from sticking?
Reserve pasta water and toss the noodles immediately with the sauce.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?
It’s best served fresh. If necessary, prep sauce and herbs ahead, then combine with freshly cooked pasta at serving time.

Conclusion

Lemon Butter Capellini with Fresh Herbs is a simple yet elegant pasta dish that bursts with flavor and freshness. Quick to prepare and versatile, it’s perfect for a light dinner or an impressive side for entertaining. With the bright zing of lemon, rich buttery sauce, and fragrant herbs, this dish brings the best of Italian cuisine to your table with minimal effort.