Garlic Butter Capellini Pomodoro has become my go-to dish whenever I crave a taste of Italian summer without the fuss. I remember the first time I stumbled upon this recipe – the aroma of garlic and tomatoes wafting from my kitchen was absolutely intoxicating, promising a meal that was both comforting and incredibly vibrant. This simple capellini pomodoro garlic butter dish is perfect for those busy weeknights when you need something delicious on the table fast. It’s the kind of meal that makes you close your eyes with the first bite, savoring the delicate pasta coated in rich, garlicky butter and bright tomato sauce. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Capellini Pomodoro
This dish is a weeknight wonder, packed with flavor and surprisingly simple to make. You’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again!
- It’s incredibly quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy evenings.
- The combination of garlic, butter, and fresh tomatoes is simply divine.
- This easy garlic butter capellini pomodoro recipe uses pantry staples you likely already have.
- The delicate capellini pasta soaks up the rich sauce beautifully.
- You can easily customize it with your favorite protein or extra veggies.
- It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a restaurant-quality Italian meal at home.
- This easy garlic butter capellini pomodoro comes together in under 30 minutes, from start to finish.
- The vibrant flavors will transport you straight to an Italian trattoria.
Ingredients for Garlic Butter Capellini Pomodoro
Gathering the right garlic butter capellini pomodoro ingredients is key to unlocking this dish’s amazing flavors. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 12 ounces capellini pasta – also known as angel hair pasta, it cooks super fast!
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – a good quality extra virgin olive oil works best here.
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined – fresh or frozen and thawed works fine.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced – don’t skimp on the garlic; it’s essential for that signature flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) – for a little kick!
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes – this forms the base of our bright pomodoro sauce.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter – this is where the magic happens, creating a luscious sauce.
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped – for a burst of freshness and aroma.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste – season generously!
How to Make Garlic Butter Capellini Pomodoro
This recipe is designed for speed and flavor, making it incredibly easy to whip up a fantastic Italian meal. Follow these simple steps for a delicious garlic butter capellini pomodoro that will impress everyone.
Step 1: Cook the Capellini
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your 12 ounces capellini pasta and cook according to package directions – usually just 3-5 minutes! Before draining, carefully reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. This liquid gold is essential for creating a silky sauce later. For more pasta cooking tips, check out this guide.
Step 2: Sauté Shrimp and Aromatics
While the pasta is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add your 1 pound of large shrimp and cook for just 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the perfectly cooked shrimp from the skillet and set them aside. Now, add the 4 cloves of minced garlic and 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (if you like a little heat!) to the same skillet. Sauté for about 1 minute until wonderfully fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
Step 3: Prepare the Pomodoro Sauce
Pour the 1 (28 ounce) can of crushed tomatoes into the skillet with the garlic and red pepper flakes. Stir everything together and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the 1/2 cup of unsalted butter. Whisk until the butter is completely melted and incorporated, creating a smooth, luscious pomodoro sauce.
Step 4: Combine and Finish
Add the drained capellini pasta and the cooked shrimp back into the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together gently, ensuring every strand of pasta and every shrimp is coated in the glorious garlic butter pomodoro sauce. If the sauce seems a bit too thick, add a tablespoon or two of your reserved pasta water to loosen it up until it reaches your desired consistency. This is truly how to make garlic butter capellini pomodoro shine. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and stir in the 1/4 cup of fresh basil right before serving for a burst of freshness.
Pro Tips for the Best Garlic Butter Capellini Pomodoro
Want to elevate your pasta game? These little tricks ensure your Garlic Butter Capellini Pomodoro is absolutely perfect every single time. They’re simple but make a huge difference!
- Always use good quality ingredients, especially the tomatoes and butter, as they form the flavor base.
- Don’t overcook the capellini; it should be al dente as it will cook slightly more in the sauce.
- Reserve more pasta water than you think you’ll need – it’s your secret weapon for a silky sauce.
What’s the secret to perfect Garlic Butter Capellini Pomodoro?
The magic is in the emulsification! Gently whisking in the cold butter into the warm tomato sauce off the heat creates a rich, glossy coating. This technique ensures the most luxurious texture for your best garlic butter capellini pomodoro.
Can I make Garlic Butter Capellini Pomodoro ahead of time?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prep components ahead. Cook the pasta and shrimp, and make the sauce separately. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat the sauce, then add the pasta and shrimp, along with a splash of reserved pasta water, to combine. For more make-ahead meal ideas, explore our dinner recipes.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Garlic Butter Capellini Pomodoro?
A common pitfall is burning the garlic – sauté it gently over low heat. Also, avoid overcrowding the pan when cooking shrimp; cook in batches if necessary to ensure they sear rather than steam. Lastly, don’t skip reserving the pasta water; it’s crucial for achieving the perfect sauce consistency.
Best Ways to Serve Garlic Butter Capellini Pomodoro
This vibrant dish is wonderful on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a few simple additions. Serving it just right makes all the difference!
- For a complete meal, try serving this garlic butter capellini pomodoro with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette. The freshness cuts through the richness of the pasta perfectly.
- Crusty bread is a must! It’s perfect for soaking up every last bit of that delicious sauce.
- You can also add a side of steamed or roasted asparagus for an extra touch of green and a healthy complement to your capellini pomodoro with garlic butter.
Nutrition Facts for Garlic Butter Capellini Pomodoro
This delightful garlic butter capellini pomodoro offers a satisfying meal with balanced flavors. Here’s a breakdown of the approximate nutritional content per serving:
- Calories: Approximately 550
- Fat: Approximately 25g
- Saturated Fat: Approximately 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: Approximately 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 60g
- Fiber: Approximately 5g
- Protein: Approximately 25g
- Cholesterol: Approximately 150mg
- Sodium: Approximately 400mg
- Sugar: Approximately 8g
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes.
How to Store and Reheat Garlic Butter Capellini Pomodoro
Leftovers of this delicious garlic butter capellini pomodoro are a treat! To keep it tasting its best, make sure to cool it down completely before storing. Transfer the pasta to an airtight container. It should stay fresh in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep it even longer, freezing is a great option. For best results with your garlic butter pasta with capellini, freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating is simple! Gently warm the pasta on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short bursts, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Be careful not to overcook the pasta when reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions About Garlic Butter Capellini Pomodoro
What is Garlic Butter Capellini Pomodoro?
What is garlic butter capellini pomodoro, you ask? It’s a delightful Italian pasta dish featuring delicate capellini (angel hair) pasta tossed in a rich, savory sauce made from garlic, butter, and bright tomato (pomodoro). My version adds succulent shrimp for a complete meal, but it’s fantastic on its own too! It’s a quick and flavorful way to enjoy classic Italian tastes.
Can I substitute the shrimp?
Absolutely! This recipe is wonderfully versatile. You can easily swap the shrimp for cooked chicken, Italian sausage, or even a can of drained cannellini beans for a vegetarian option. Some folks even love adding some colorful bell peppers or zucchini to the sauté step for extra veggies. It’s all about making this simple capellini pomodoro garlic butter your own!
Is capellini difficult to cook?
Not at all! Capellini, or angel hair pasta, cooks very quickly, usually in just 3-5 minutes. The key is to watch it closely so it doesn’t get mushy. I always recommend cooking it until just al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly when tossed with the hot sauce. Reserving that pasta water is your best friend for getting the perfect sauce consistency!
What makes this recipe so quick?
The speed comes from a few factors. Capellini cooks in minutes, and the shrimp cooks just as fast. The pomodoro sauce is a simple simmer with crushed tomatoes and butter, which doesn’t take long to come together. It’s truly a quick garlic butter capellini pomodoro that’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something flavorful without spending hours in the kitchen.
Variations of Garlic Butter Capellini Pomodoro You Can Try
While this recipe is fantastic as is, there are so many ways to make it your own! Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and additions to create your perfect bowl of pasta. Here are a few ideas to get you started with your simple capellini pomodoro garlic butter:
- Spicy Kick: Amp up the heat by adding more red pepper flakes, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or even a diced jalapeño when sautéing the garlic. This creates a wonderfully spicy garlic butter capellini pomodoro that’s perfect for heat lovers.
- Creamy Dream: For an ultra-rich and creamy garlic butter capellini pomodoro, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of mascarpone cheese at the end with the butter. It transforms the sauce into something truly decadent.
- Veggie Boost: Load up on the vegetables! Sauté some chopped zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach along with the garlic and shrimp. This adds color, nutrients, and extra texture to your dish.
- Lemon Zest: A little brightness goes a long way. Stir in the zest of half a lemon at the very end for a fresh, zesty finish that complements the garlic and tomato beautifully.
Irresistible Garlic Butter Capellini Pomodoro Delight
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A quick and easy Garlic Butter Capellini Pomodoro with shrimp, perfect for a weeknight dinner. This recipe combines delicate capellini pasta with a rich garlic butter sauce, fresh tomatoes, and succulent shrimp for a taste of Italian summer.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces capellini pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook capellini pasta according to package directions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- While pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and cooked through. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
- Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) to the same skillet. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes and bring to a simmer. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in butter until melted and sauce is smooth.
- Add the drained capellini pasta and cooked shrimp to the skillet. Toss to coat everything in the garlic butter pomodoro sauce.
- If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Stir in fresh basil just before serving.
- Serve your delicious Garlic Butter Capellini Pomodoro immediately.
Notes
- For a creamier sauce, you can add a splash of heavy cream.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to your spice preference.
- Garnish with extra basil or grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
- This Garlic Butter Capellini Pomodoro is best served fresh.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: Approximately 550 calories
- Sugar: Approximately 8g
- Sodium: Approximately 400mg
- Fat: Approximately 25g
- Saturated Fat: Approximately 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: Approximately 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 60g
- Fiber: Approximately 5g
- Protein: Approximately 25g
- Cholesterol: Approximately 150mg