Roasted Garlic And Lemon Sauce Capellini

Roasted Garlic and Lemon Sauce Capellini is a vibrant and zesty pasta dish that highlights the fresh flavors of roasted garlic and tangy lemon. Perfect for a quick yet elegant meal, this recipe features delicate capellini (angel hair) pasta, which is lightly coated in a buttery, lemon-infused sauce and tossed with aromatic garlic.

Garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, this dish offers a refreshing twist on traditional pasta recipes, making it a delightful choice for any occasion.

Roasted Garlic and Lemon Sauce Capellini

Ingredients:

1 pound dried capellini or angel hair pasta

½ pound (2 sticks) dairy-free butter, if needed

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 large lemons, zested and juiced

1 tablespoon salt

2 teaspoons freshly cracked black pepper

Optional: Fresh chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions:

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the capellini and cook for about 3 minutes until al dente.

Prepare the Sauce: While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Melt the butter in the skillet, then mix in the minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.

Combine Pasta and Sauce: Once the pasta is cooked, use a slotted spoon to transfer it from the boiling water directly into the skillet with the sauce, allowing some of the pasta water to drain back into the pot.

Mix and Cook: Gently toss the pasta in the skillet to coat it thoroughly with the lemon garlic sauce. If necessary, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to help the sauce coat the pasta. Cook for a few more minutes, tossing occasionally.

Serve: Transfer the pasta to individual plates or a serving platter. Garnish with additional lemon zest, a squeeze of lemon juice, extra salt and pepper if desired, and fresh chopped parsley if you like.

Notes:

Pasta Cooking Time: Capellini cooks very quickly—typically around 3 minutes—so keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking. Angel hair pasta should be tender but still al dente.

Butter Substitute: If you prefer a dairy-free option, use a dairy-free butter substitute or olive oil. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.

Garlic Preparation: For a more intense garlic flavor, consider roasting the garlic before adding it to the sauce. Simply roast whole garlic cloves until soft and fragrant, then mash them into the sauce.

Adjusting Consistency: If the sauce becomes too thick, add a small amount of reserved pasta water to loosen it. The starchy water helps the sauce cling better to the pasta.

Lemon Juice: Adjust the amount of lemon juice according to your taste preference. Start with the juice of one lemon, and add more if you prefer a tangier flavor.

Garnishing: Fresh parsley not only adds color but also complements the lemon and garlic flavors. Feel free to experiment with other herbs like basil or thyme.

Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs well with a side of grilled vegetables or a crisp green salad. For a heartier meal, consider adding grilled chicken or shrimp.

Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to restore the sauce’s consistency.

Scaling the Recipe: This recipe can be easily scaled up or down depending on the number of servings needed. Adjust the quantities of the ingredients proportionally.

Pasta Water: Always reserve some pasta cooking water before draining. It’s a valuable tool for adjusting the sauce’s consistency and helping it adhere to the pasta.

Nutrition Information:

YIELDS: 4 | SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute capellini with other types of pasta like spaghetti, fettuccine, or linguine.

Adjust the cooking time according to the pasta’s package instructions.

What if I don’t have fresh lemons?

You can use bottled lemon juice as an alternative.

For a fresh lemon flavor, use about 2 tablespoons of lemon juice.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! Use a dairy-free butter or margarine in place of regular butter to keep the recipe dairy-free.

How can I make this dish spicier?

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for an extra kick.

Can I prepare this dish in advance?

The pasta is best served fresh, but you can prepare the sauce in advance and reheat it when ready to serve.

Cook the pasta fresh for the best texture.

What can I use as a substitute for garlic?

If you don’t have fresh garlic, you can use garlic powder or minced garlic from a jar.

Use about 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder for each clove of garlic.

How do I prevent the pasta from sticking together?

Make sure to cook the pasta in plenty of boiling water and stir occasionally.

Adding a bit of olive oil to the water can also help prevent sticking.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Yes, you can add vegetables like cherry tomatoes, spinach, or mushrooms.

Sauté them before adding to the pasta for a well-rounded dish.

How should I store leftovers?

Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

What can I use for a garnish?

Fresh herbs like parsley or basil, extra lemon zest, or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese make great garnishes to enhance flavor and presentation.