The Ina Garten Lemon Capellini Recipe is light, fresh and full of bright flavor. It is perfect for a quick lunch or a simple dinner. The dish uses capellini pasta, fresh lemons, garlic and Parmesan cheese.
It feels elegant but is very easy to make at home. The lemon adds a refreshing taste, while the pasta stays soft and perfect.
This Ina Garten Lemon Capellini Recipe is also great for summer meals or when you want something light and comforting. In this post, I will show you how to make it step by step, share tips and give helpful ideas for the best results.
My Experience With This Ina Garten Lemon Capellini Recipe
I tried this recipe on a sunny afternoon. The kitchen smelled fresh with lemon and garlic. The pasta cooked perfectly and stayed soft. The lemon juice made the sauce bright and tangy.
Adding Parmesan gave a creamy, cheesy touch without heaviness. It was ready in under 20 minutes. I served it with a side salad, and my family loved it. This recipe is simple, quick and feels fancy. It became one of my favorite go-to pasta dishes for easy dinners.
Recipe Card info
- Recipe Name: Ina Garten Lemon Capellini
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Course: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
- Calories: 350 kcal per serving
Equipment List
- Large pot
- Colander
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Wooden spoon
- Grater
Ingredients You Need for Ina Garten Lemon Capellini Recipe
- 8 oz capellini pasta
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 lemons, juiced and zested
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Optional: red pepper flakes
Step-by-Step Guide
- Boil the Pasta
Fill a large pot with water. Add salt. Boil the capellini pasta until tender but firm. Drain. - Heat Olive Oil
In a skillet, warm olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant. - Add Lemon Juice
Pour lemon juice into the skillet. Stir well with the garlic. Let it heat for one minute. - Add Pasta to Skillet
Place cooked capellini into the skillet. Toss gently to coat pasta with lemon and garlic mixture. - Add Lemon Zest
Sprinkle lemon zest over the pasta. Toss again to mix the bright flavor evenly. - Season the Pasta
Add salt, black pepper and optional red pepper flakes. Stir carefully to combine flavors. - Add Parmesan Cheese
Sprinkle grated Parmesan over the pasta. Toss gently until cheese melts and coats the pasta lightly. - Add Fresh Parsley
Add chopped parsley for color and fresh taste. Toss the pasta carefully to combine all ingredients. - Taste and Adjust
Taste the pasta. Add more salt, pepper or lemon juice if needed. Adjust for your preferred flavor. - Serve Warm
Place pasta on plates. Serve immediately. Optionally, sprinkle extra Parmesan or parsley on top for garnish.
Tips to Make the Best Ina Garten Lemon Capellini
- Use fresh lemons for bright flavor
- Do not overcook the pasta
- Cook garlic gently to avoid burning
- Use freshly grated Parmesan
- Toss pasta carefully for even coating
- Add parsley last for freshness
- Taste before serving
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Do not overboil pasta
- Do not burn garlic
- Do not skip lemon zest
- Do not use pre-grated Parmesan
- Do not add all parsley too early
- Do not forget to taste
Serving Suggestions
Serve lemon capellini with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables. It pairs well with grilled chicken or shrimp.
You can also enjoy it with garlic bread. The light lemon flavor makes it perfect for lunch, dinner or summer meals. This pasta is easy to serve and looks elegant for any occasion.
Variations You Can Try
- Add shrimp or chicken
- Add asparagus or spinach
- Use linguine or spaghetti
- Add cherry tomatoes
- Add capers for tanginess
- Add crushed red pepper flakes
- Use basil instead of parsley
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Store leftover pasta in an airtight container
- Keep in fridge for up to two days
- Reheat gently on stove with olive oil
- Do not microwave too long to avoid dryness
- Add a splash of water or lemon juice when reheating
Nutrition Information
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 |
| Fat | 15g |
| Carbs | 45g |
| Protein | 12g |
Health Benefits
This pasta is light and full of healthy ingredients. Olive oil provides good fats for heart health. Lemons give vitamin C for immunity and freshness.
Garlic has natural antioxidants and supports digestion. Parsley adds vitamins and fiber. The dish is simple but gives a healthy and satisfying meal. It is also low in calories and easy to digest.
Ina Garten Lemon Capellini Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 oz capellini pasta
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 lemons juiced and zested
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
- Optional: red pepper flakes
Instructions
Boil the Pasta
- Fill a large pot with water. Add salt. Boil the capellini pasta until tender but firm. Drain.
Heat Olive Oil
- In a skillet, warm olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
Add Lemon Juice
- Pour lemon juice into the skillet. Stir well with the garlic. Let it heat for one minute.
Add Pasta to Skillet
- Place cooked capellini into the skillet. Toss gently to coat pasta with lemon and garlic mixture.
Add Lemon Zest
- Sprinkle lemon zest over the pasta. Toss again to mix the bright flavor evenly.
Season the Pasta
- Add salt, black pepper and optional red pepper flakes. Stir carefully to combine flavors.
Add Parmesan Cheese
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan over the pasta. Toss gently until cheese melts and coats the pasta lightly.
Add Fresh Parsley
- Add chopped parsley for color and fresh taste. Toss the pasta carefully to combine all ingredients.
Taste and Adjust
- Taste the pasta. Add more salt, pepper or lemon juice if needed. Adjust for your preferred flavor.
Serve Warm
- Place pasta on plates. Serve immediately. Optionally, sprinkle extra Parmesan or parsley on top for garnish.
Notes
- Use fresh lemons for bright flavor
- Do not overcook the pasta
- Cook garlic gently to avoid burning
- Use freshly grated Parmesan
- Toss pasta carefully for even coating
- Add parsley last for freshness
- Taste before serving
FAQs about Ina Garten Lemon Capellini Recipe
1. Can I use spaghetti instead of capellini?
Yes, spaghetti works well. It may change cooking time slightly. Capellini is thinner and cooks faster.
2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, cook pasta and sauce separately. Combine just before serving to keep texture fresh and pasta firm.
3. Can I add protein to this pasta?
Yes, add grilled chicken, shrimp or salmon. Cook them separately and toss with pasta before serving.
4. Can I store leftover pasta for longer?
Yes, but store in airtight container. Use within two days. Reheat gently with a little olive oil or water.
5. How can I make the pasta more flavorful?
Use fresh garlic, lemons and Parmesan. Add herbs like basil or thyme. Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
Final Thoughts
The Ina Garten Lemon Capellini Recipe is light, fresh and very easy. It feels elegant but takes only 25 minutes. With lemon, garlic and Parmesan, every bite is bright and flavorful.
You can serve it alone or with protein and vegetables. This recipe is perfect for quick weeknight dinners or special occasions. Now you know how to make Ina Garten Lemon Capellini easily. Try it soon and enjoy a refreshing, delicious pasta meal at home.
Hi, I’m Emily Grace! I love cooking simple, tasty food that brings people together. On Bite Dive, I share easy recipes, fun food tips, and ideas to make every meal special. My kitchen is my happy place, and I’m so excited to share it with you!