Go Back
Lemon Butter Cavatelli dish

Lemon Butter Cavatelli Recipe

Norah Kay
The Indulgent Lemon Butter Cavatelli Recipe offers a luxurious twist on pasta that every pasta lover will adore. It’s easy to prepare, incredibly flavorful, and highly customizable for any occasion!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4

Equipment

  • Equipment and Appliances
  • Large pot (for boiling pasta)
  • Skillet or sauté pan
  • Zester
  • Colander for draining pasta

Ingredients
  

Ingredients:

  • 16 oz cavatelli pasta
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • Juice and zest of 2 large lemons
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)

Optional:

  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • Red pepper flakes to taste
  • Pre-cooked shrimp chicken, or mushrooms for added protein

Instructions
 

Instructions:

  • Boil cavatelli in salted water according to package instructions. Drain and reserve 1/4 cup pasta water.
  • Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic (if using) and sauté until fragrant.
  • Add the lemon juice, lemon zest, and reserved pasta water, stirring to combine. Simmer for one minute.
  • Add cooked cavatelli and grated Parmesan, mixing until evenly coated. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste, if desired.
  • Garnish with parsley and serve warm.

Calories & Nutritional Info (per serving):

  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 50g
  • Protein: 12g
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 380mg

Notes

Expert Tips & Tricks
Balancing Flavors: Taste the sauce before tossing the pasta, adding more lemon juice or cheese to suit your preference.
Adding Protein: For a heartier meal, add pre-cooked shrimp, seared chicken, or even sautéed mushrooms.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat gently on the stovetop.
Keyword Cavatelli Pasta Recipe, Lemon Butter Cavatelli Recipe