Skip the restaurant and make this creamy Lemon Caper Pasta at home with just five ingredients. Ready in less than 15 minutes, this is a weeknight dinner winner.
Dinner doesn't get any easier than a flavor-packed pasta dish that comes together in the time it takes to cook the pasta.
Jump to:
Why you will love this
- Just five readily available ingredients are needed to pull together this quick dinner.
- Lemon juice and capers pack so much flavor in every bite.
- The sauce is creamy but still very light.
- A bonus breadcrumb topping adds great texture.
- So easy, but also fancy enough to serve to guests.
Want more 15-minute pasta dishes? Try Spinach Alfredo Tortellini and Alfredo Sauce with Evaporated Milk.
Ingredient notes
- Pasta - Use long, thin pasta such as spaghetti, angel hair, bucatini, or linguine.
- Lemon - Fresh lemon juice always provides the best flavor.
Breadcrumb topping
This is completely optional... but a must-have at the same time! The buttery crunch this topping adds is incredible!
Step-by-step instructions
Please see the recipe card for complete instructions and ingredient amounts.
- To make the breadcrumbs, combine panko, parsley, and melted butter. Set aside.
- Cook the pasta in well-salted water until al dente.
- Meanwhile, melt the butter in a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat. Add the lemon juice, cream, and capers.
- Bring to a gentle simmer, whisking occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly.
- When the pasta is cooked, drain and transfer directly to the skillet. Toss to combine with the sauce. Note: There is no added salt in this recipe since the capers provide plenty of salty flavor.
- Serve topped with breadcrumbs.
Save this recipe!
We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later!
Serving options
- Add garlic bread and a green salad for a complete meal.
- Serve as a side dish with chicken, steak, salmon, or shrimp.
- Pair with broccolini or green beans.
Expert Tips
- Set out the ingredients before you begin cooking. The sauce comes together quickly so it's best to have everything ready at your fingertips.
- Use seasoned panko breadcrumbs for another layer of flavor.
- Cook the pasta in well-salted water. This will flavor the pasta itself.
- Reserve some pasta water if needed to bring the sauce together.
- Add the cream and the lemon juice to the skillet at the same time. This helps to prevent the acid in the lemon juice from curdling the cream.
- Add minced garlic and/or red pepper flakes to the sauce if desired.
Recipe FAQs
Capers are unripened flower buds from a bush that grows in the Mediterranean and parts of Asia. They are dried and preserved, usually in a brine, which gives capers the salty flavor they are known for.
Capers pair well with citrus, specifically lemon. Tomatoes, pasta, and fish are also great pairings.
Capers are a great way to add a salty, briny edge to dishes. Add to sauces, pasta dishes, salads, dressings, or scrambled eggs.
Craving more? Subscribe to My Casual Pantry to get the latest recipes and ideas sent directly to your inbox.
📖 Recipe Card
Creamy Lemon Caper Pasta
Ingredients
Breadcrumb topping
- ¼ cup seasoned Panko breadcrumbs
- ½ teaspoon parsley
- 1 tablespoon butter (melted)
Pasta
- 6 ounces spaghetti
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 3-4 tablespoons lemon juice (approx. 1 lemon)
- 2 tablespoons capers (drained)
Instructions
Breadcrumb topping
- In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, parsley, and melted butter. Stir until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated with the butter. Set aside.
Pasta
- In a large pot of salted water, cook the pasta according to package directions, until al dente.
- Meanwhile, in a skillet, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Add the lemon juice, cream, and capers. Whisk to combine.
- Simmer over low, whisking occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Drain the pasta and add directly to the sauce. Toss to combine.
- Top with breadcrumbs when serving.
Notes
- Set out the ingredients before you begin cooking. The sauce comes together quickly so it's best to have everything ready at your fingertips.
- Reserve some pasta water if needed to bring the sauce together.
- Add the cream and the lemon juice to the skillet at the same time. This helps to prevent the acid in the lemon juice from curdling the cream.
- There is no added salt in this recipe. The capers provide plenty of salty flavor.
Nutrition
Nutritional information is an estimate and will vary depending on the exact amounts and specific ingredients used.
Nan
Easy to make and excellent flavor. Will be making this again!
Abbey McDermott
Thank you, Nan. I'm so glad you enjoyed this!