Lemon Capellini Fresh Herbs (Printable Version)

Silky capellini in lemon butter sauce finished with fresh herbs for a bright, elegant meal.

# 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)

# Directions:

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

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It's genuinely faster than ordering takeout, but tastes like you've been cooking all afternoon.
  • The sauce is pure magic—just butter and lemon—which means you probably have everything in your kitchen right now.
  • Fresh herbs make you feel like you're showing off, even though this dish is forgiving and hard to mess up.
02 -
  • Reserve your pasta water before draining—this starchy liquid is what transforms butter and lemon from separating into a proper, clinging sauce.
  • Don't overcook the capellini even slightly, because it continues cooking in the warm skillet and will turn to mush if you're not careful.
  • Add the herbs after removing from heat so they stay vibrant and don't turn an unappetizing dark green.
03 -
  • Don't be tempted to use bottled lemon juice—fresh lemon tastes like a completely different ingredient and is worth the 30 seconds it takes to squeeze.
  • Keep the skillet off the heat while tossing in the herbs and finishing the dish to protect their flavor and color from the lingering warmth.
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