Zesty Lemon Butter Pasta: 20-Minute Miracle
Lemon Butter Pasta: master this creamy, zesty dish in just 20 minutes. Elevate weeknights with angel hair, fresh lemon, and spicy breadcrumbs.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoon drained capers
- 1/2-1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 3/4 pound angel hair pasta
- kosher salt and black pepper
- 6 tablespoons cold salted butter
- 1 lemon, sliced, seeds removed
- 1 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1 zucchini or yellow summer squash, very thinly sliced
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the olive oil, the breadcrumbs, capers, and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook, stirring occasionally until the breadcrumbs are toasted all over and the capers fried, about 4 minutes. Remove the breadcrumbs from the skillet. Season with salt.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain.
- Meanwhile, set your skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons butter and lemon slices. Sear until the lemon is caramelized, about 1 minute per side. Remove the lemon from the skillet. Finely chop the lemon slices and mix with the basil until well combined.
- To the skillet, add the remaining butter, zucchini, and garlic. Season with salt and pepper. Cook until the zucchini is golden, about 5 minutes. Watch the garlic closely. Remove from the heat, stir in the pasta and 1/2 of the lemon/basil mixture until evenly coated.
- Spread ricotta into bowls. Add the pasta. Top with breadcrumbs and additional lemon/basil. Twirl the pasta up with the cheese and serve immediately. EAT and ENJOY.
Notes
- Zest the lemon before slicing it! You'll get more zest, and it's easier.
- Don't rinse your pasta after draining; the starchy water helps the sauce cling better.
- If you love heat, don't skimp on the red pepper flakes – they add a fantastic kick.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce, as it can thicken in the cold. Nutrition information is an estimate, calculated automatically. Values vary with brands, substitutions and portion sizes.
- Don't rinse your pasta after draining; the starchy water helps the sauce cling better.
- If you love heat, don't skimp on the red pepper flakes – they add a fantastic kick.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce, as it can thicken in the cold. Nutrition information is an estimate, calculated automatically. Values vary with brands, substitutions and portion sizes.