Creamy Lemon Caper Pasta

This quick, easy 15-minute creamy lemon caper pasta recipe is the perfect healthy weeknight dinner. The pasta is tossed in a simple, light cream sauce made with skim milk, Greek yogurt, fresh lemon, garlic, and parmesan cheese. So good you’ll want seconds!

Best creamy lemon caper pasta sauce

If you love alfredo or carbonara pasta, you’ll love this lemony, creamy pasta! There will always be a spot in my heart for classic dishes like this chicken broccoli pasta or this chicken bolognese, but this creamy lemon caper pasta is special. It’s insanely flavorful, easy to make, and healthy. You will be in and out of the kitchen in under 15 minutes!

Unlike other lemon caper pasta recipes, this one is creamy! The perfect lightened-up, lemony pasta cream sauce made with the simplest ingredients, like fresh lemon, garlic, vegetable broth, skim milk, yogurt, and capers. It’s healthy, but I promise you cannot tell!

You can serve this pasta for a family dinner, date night, or for yourself and save leftovers for meal prep. The options are endless, and it takes 15 minutes to throw together.

This pasta recipe is like a creamy, healthy lemon alfredo sauce. It’s made with better-for-you ingredients, far lower in calories than traditional alfredo cream sauces – but tastes like the real thing (I promise). I cannot wait to hear what you think!

Why you’ll love this low-fat cream sauce recipe:

• 15 Minutes: This lemon caper pasta sauce is quick and easy to make in 15 minutes.
• Healthy: The best low-calorie lemon alfredo sauce made with Greek yogurt.
• High Protein: It’s high in protein, low in fat, and nutritious.
• No Flour: You don’t need flour to thicken up this creamy pasta sauce.
• Simple Ingredients: Made with skim milk, yogurt, parmesan cheese, vegetable broth, and fresh lemon.
• Make Ahead: This recipe is meal prep friendly.
• Gluten-Free Option: Easily make this pasta recipe gluten-free and keto.
• Lemony: So fresh and delicious!
• Try this healthy chicken penne alla vodka next!

Ingredients needed

This creamy lemon caper pasta is so easy to make that any level cook can do it! This healthy dinner recipe is perfect all year long and will surely be a crowd-pleaser. Here is a list of ingredients so you are prepared:

• Pasta: I used spaghetti, but you can use angel hair or your favorite shape. You can use regular, high-protein, chickpea, or brown rice pasta.
• Butter: For cooking and to flavor this delicious and creamy pasta sauce. We only need 1 Tablespoon, but it adds a great taste.
• Garlic: Use freshly minced garlic for the best flavor.
• Arrowroot Powder: To thicken this healthy creamy sauce up without needing to add flour. This also makes the recipe 100% gluten-free.
• Vegetable or Chicken Broth: For flavor and for the base of this lemon caper pasta sauce.
• Milk: I used skim milk, but you can also use 2% or whole milk. This adds flavor and creaminess to this healthy pasta sauce.
• Greek Yogurt: Instead of heavy whipping cream, we use Greek yogurt. I used 0%, but feel free to use 2% or 5%.
• Parmesan Cheese: For flavor! Use freshly grated parmesan for the most authentic taste.
• Lemon: Use both the zest and juice of fresh lemons for a real tangy, fresh flavor. It is called lemon caper pasta, after all!
• Salt & Pepper: To your taste preference! I always recommend tasting the pasta before serving it and adjusting the seasonings to your liking.
• Capers: The star of the dish! You need 2 – 3 Tablespoons for a salty and delicious taste.

How to make lemon caper pasta sauce

This delicious lemon caper pasta is so creamy and easy to make. It comes together in less than 15 minutes; it’s healthy, high in protein, and super rich. Everyone will love it! Here are step-by-step instructions with pictures for visual reference:

Step 1:

First, boil a large pot of salted water and add pasta. Cook al-dente according to the package instructions, strain, and then run under cold water to prevent further cooking. I recommend cooking it al dente!

Step 2:

Then, whisk together the arrowroot powder and vegetable broth in a bowl or glass. Set to the side. Then, zest one lemon and set to the side.

Step 3:

Meanwhile, heat a large saucepan with the butter over medium heat. Add in the minced garlic, stir, and cook until fragrant. This should only take 30 seconds – 1 minute.

Step 4:

Then, add the arrowroot vegetable broth mixture and milk. Continuously whisk to combine, making sure there are no lumps. Raise heat to medium-high and let simmer for 2 – 4 minutes or until the sauce thickens. Whisk every 20 seconds.

Step 6:

Next, reduce heat to medium-low, then whisk in the Greek yogurt, parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and lemon zest, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Once fully combined, gently stir in the capers.

Step 7:

Finally, add the cooked spaghetti and use tongs to toss with the sauce. Don’t forget to sprinkle some grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese and fresh parsley on top for an extra layer of savory goodness.

Enjoy your delicious creamy lemon caper pasta!

Expert recipe tips:

1. Reduce Heat: Lower the heat before adding the Greek yogurt to the sauce. High temperatures can cause proteins in the yogurt to break down and curdle. Mix the yogurt over lower heat to minimize this risk.
2. Cook the pasta al-dente: The pasta will continue to cook after we mix it with the lemon caper sauce. If you overcook it, the pasta can become mushy and soft.
3. Use fresh ingredients: This healthy cream sauce is very simple, so make sure to use freshly minced garlic and lemons for the best taste. Stay away from bottled lemon juice!
4. Mix the starch in cold or room-temperature broth: Don’t add the starch to the pan after the vegetable broth is warm because it will clump up. The starch helps thicken this lemon caper pasta sauce, and no one wants a lumpy creamy sauce.
5. Let the sauce simmer: Make sure to keep the stove temperature low as you simmer the healthy Alfredo cream sauce. If not, it can burn, and the taste of burnt milk is gross!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you taste the yogurt in the pasta sauce?

Traditional lemon caper pasta recipes use heavy cream, but we make it healthy with Greek yogurt. Don’t worry, we only use 1/2 cup, so you cannot taste the yogurt!

Can I use any type of Greek yogurt for the sauce?

Yes, you can use either full-fat or low-fat Greek yogurt based on your preference. Full-fat yogurt will provide a creamier texture, while low-fat options offer a lighter alternative.

What can I substitute for arrowroot powder?

You can substitute cornstarch or tapioca starch for arrowroot powder in a 1:1 ratio. Alternatively, potato starch, all-purpose flour, gluten-free flour, or rice flour are also great thickening agents.

What type of pasta pairs best with this sauce?

This sauce complements various pasta types. Linguine, spaghetti, or fettuccine work well, but you can experiment with different shapes and sizes based on your preference.

Can I use gluten-free pasta?

This recipe is easily gluten-free if you use brown rice pasta or gluten-free pasta.

What should I serve with lemon caper pasta?

Lemon caper pasta pairs wonderfully with roasted or grilled chicken for a protein-rich meal. Consider adding sautéed shrimp or flaky white fish like cod or tilapia for a lighter option. A simple side salad with fresh greens and a lemon vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast, while roasted vegetables, such as asparagus or broccoli, complement the bright flavors of the pasta dish.

How long does lemon caper pasta keep?

This lemon caper pasta is best enjoyed right after it is made, but it will keep well in the refrigerator for two or three days. You can reheat leftovers in the microwave or on the stovetop.

If you love this recipe, try these next!

• Healthy Chicken Penne Alla Vodka
• Roasted Butternut Squash Pasta Sauce
• Chicken Bolognese Pasta
• Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake
• Air Fryer Garlic Bread
• Dairy-Free Tomato Soup
• Chicken Meatballs

Did you make this recipe?

If you make this recipe, be sure to comment and rate it down below. Also, don’t forget to tag me @healthfulblondie on Instagram and use the hashtag #healthfulblondie so I can see your delicious creation and share it with my followers!

I only recommend products I love and use myself. In full disclosure, I may receive a small compensation for purchasing a product I recommend. Thank you for supporting Healthful Blondie!

Sharing is caring!