Our Capellini pasta with Garlic Lemon and Parmesan is one of those dishes that’s really satisfying. I love how this meal only requires a few basic ingredients, takes less than 30 minutes to pull together and is just so good.
You won’t miss the sauce in this dish because there’s so much delicious flavor going on! It’s the perfect busy weeknight meal for sure. We really love pairing this with a simple mixed green salad or some spicy arugula. You can also throw some grilled chicken or shrimp on top for something a make little heartier.
How to Make Capellini
Ingredients
Process
- Start with salted boiling water in a large pot, and cook your capellini pasta for about 5 to 6 minutes, until al dente.
- Reserve some pasta water, then drain pasta and set aside.
- Melt butter in a large skillet. Sauté shallots and garlic until caramelized.
- Add the pasta and pasta water, then toss together. Add lemon zest and lemon juice. Finish pasta with more lemon zest, red pepper flakes, and parmesan.
Capellini FAQs
It is a rod shaped, long strand Italian pasta that literally translates to “little hairs”.
They are similar, but angel hair is thinner than capellini. Angel hair is a great substitute if you can’t find capellini at the grocery store.
No. Capellini is thinner than thin spaghetti. It is also a great substitute if you can’t find capellini in the grocery store.
Just fill a large pot with water and bring to a boil. Add some salt and the pasta and cook until al dente. It’s a really thin pasta, so it doesn’t take long to cook at all, about 5 minutes.
Tips for Making Capellini with Garlic Lemon and Parmesan
- Seasoning the pasta water with salt is very important. As the pasta absorbs the water when boiling, it will flavor the pasta internally. You’ll also need less salt in the overall dish.
- Adding some of the starchy pasta water to the skillet will help to thicken the butter ‘non-sauce’ and nicely coat the pasta in the overall dish.
- Using butter in this recipe instead of oil adds a subtly nutty flavor to the dish without having to worry about low smoke point since the heat doesn’t go above medium and the overall skillet cook time is relatively short.
I love how quickly this thin pasta cooks up and particularly love this brand. If you love this recipe, you should check out our other capellini based recipes that are equally simple and delicious:
–Garlic and Herb Capellini
–Smoked Salmon Pasta
Capellini with Garlic, Lemon and Parmesan
INGREDIENTS
- ½ pound capellini
- 3 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons minced shallots
- 3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
- 1 lemon zested and juiced
- salt and pepper to taste
garnish
- lemon zest
- red pepper flakes
- grated Parmesan
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
- Is Capellini the same as angel hair or thin spaghetti? While similar, angel hair is actually thinner than capellini. Capellini is also thinner than thin spaghetti. Either would make a fine substitute.
- Seasoning the pasta water with salt is very important. As the pasta absorbs the water, when boiling, it will flavor the pasta internally. You’ll also need less salt in the overall dish.
- Adding some of the starchy pasta water to the skillet will help to thicken the butter ‘non-sauce’ and nicely coat the pasta in the overall dish.
- Using butter in this recipe instead of oil adds a subtly nutty flavor to the dish without having to worry about low smoke point since the heat doesn’t go above medium and the overall skillet cook time is relatively short.
Did you make this recipe? We want to see!
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Jo
Love zesty shrimp with lemon capellini J
Syd
amazing. my husband said it’s the best pasta he’s ever had. he’s not usually a pasta guy but still. his was made normal but I made mine with earth balance vegan butter and gluten free vermicelli and it’s amazing!! I’ve made it a lot already. it’s so quick easy and tastes so good
Clauncy
my husband said it was the best pasta he’s ever had. I forgot to add the pasta water. I also made it for myself modified to be vegan and gluten free besides the parmesan. it was really good.
Michelle
I just made this for Dinner w/ homemade crusty bread…mmmmhm so simple and delicious, so fresh…i mean! Ill be craving this tomorrow! Thank you!
Louise Ranger
Very good , it is the 4th Time. Will do it again, thanks
Dennis Yannakos
Simple and delicious meal! I’ll cook this for my gf :)
Amy
I love this recipe so much. I crave it!
Sea
I love garlic, I love lemon, And you are got both in your recipe. That’s awesome. Thank you so much
Anne Park
This pasta dish was so easy to make and it was delicious. Everyone in my family loved it!
stephen
My family can’t get over how good this pasta was!
Aubrey
This was so good. Definitely making it again. And again.
Andreas
Trying it today as it sounds scrumptious! I hope all’s well with Tristan! Garlic is a medicine. Stay well.
Jordan
This was so good. Definitely adding to my family’s monthly meal rotation!
Claire Taylor
Thanks so much for this. It’s great to show awareness in another form instead of the reams of medical posts and info online. This is refreshing. I was diagnosed with relapsing remitting MS in 2012. I’m not on meds, I manage it. I note that stress is a major factor for me. When I’m having a hard time I feel it. Diet is important too I agree, so I’ll be watching that Ted talk. All the best Tristan and to her support network.
Bob Rea
Thank you so much Jenny for the wonderful thoughts,comments and stories regarding your great friend and my daughter Tristan. You are one classy lady!
Meaghan
This recipe is simply delicious! What a great post about Tristan! Xoxo
Cathy
The recipe looks fabulous! I will share your site with others (esp. due to your testimonial about Tristan, my second cousin). Yes, she’s hilarious (…remember the ‘teeth’ at her wedding?) Laughter is the best medicine, and pasta helps too!
Jenny Park
Thank you so much!! LOVE our girl, Tris!
Holly Deffenbaugh
I love a classic and simple pasta dish. This looks incredible. Thank you for sharing your story with us. It is good to stop and recognize the beautiful people in our lives and it sounds like Tristan is one of those for you. Blessings to you and your friend.
Kendall
Made this and it was incredible!
Tori
First of all, YUM! This is definitely my kind of pasta. I’m very sorry to hear about your friend. I pray that she can beat thing, and the same for all of the people who have been affected by ms.
Dhanya Samuel
What a gorgeous recipe with such an inspiring story.
Broderick
Tristan sounds like an amazing person and I think that you’re both great storytellers. Can’t wait to try this recipe!
Kianne
So lucky to have both a Tristan and a Jenny in my life!
Dianne
Sorry to hear about Tristan- it seems like her attitude can help her stay positive. I am a dietitian and in no way affiliated with the video linked below. I watched this and it BLEW MY MIND. I think everyone with MS should give it a shot! The power of nutrition can be extraordinary. Dr. walls was able to get up out of her wheel chair and walk by eating vegetables.
Best wishes,
Dianne
http://tedxtalks.ted.com/video/TEDxIowaCity-Dr-Terry-Wahls-Min
Jenny Park
Thank you so much for sharing this link, it’s so helpful! I will definitely forward it on to Tristan! Thank you!!