Garlic Butter Capellini Pomodoro with Shrimp Recipe

Introduction

This Garlic Butter Capellini Pomodoro with Shrimp is a light yet flavorful pasta dish that combines tender shrimp with a fresh tomato basil sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, it delivers vibrant flavors with minimal effort.

Ingredients

• 1 lb. large shrimp
• Salt, pepper, and olive oil for the pan
• 4 cloves garlic
• 4 cups diced fresh tomatoes or halved cherry tomatoes
• 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, cut or torn into small pieces
• Salt to taste
• 8 ounces DeLallo capellini (or any thin angel hair pasta)
• Parmesan cheese for topping

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat a splash of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook until pink and opaque, about 2 minutes per side. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.
2. Step 2: In the same pan, add a little more oil and gently sauté the garlic over medium-low heat for 1 to 2 minutes, until fragrant.
3. Step 3: Add the diced tomatoes and broth to the pan. Simmer for about 10 minutes until the tomatoes break down and the sauce thickens slightly.
4. Step 4: Meanwhile, cook the capellini according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
5. Step 5: Stir the butter and fresh basil into the thickened sauce. Let it cook on low heat a little longer if you want it thicker. Season with salt to taste.
6. Step 6: Return the cooked shrimp to the sauce, warming through.
7. Step 7: Serve the shrimp and pomodoro sauce over the cooked capellini. Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and extra salt and pepper if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic.
• Use cherry tomatoes for a sweeter sauce or Roma tomatoes for a more robust flavor.
• If you prefer a vegetarian version, omit the shrimp and add sautéed mushrooms or zucchini instead.
• Fresh basil can be substituted with dried basil; adjust the quantity accordingly.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat to prevent the shrimp from becoming tough, or microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, but be sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking to ensure they brown nicely and cook evenly.

What type of pasta works best with this sauce?

Capellini or angel hair pasta is ideal for this light sauce, but any thin pasta such as spaghetti or vermicelli will also work well.

Garlic Butter Capellini Pomodoro with Shrimp Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 111 reviews

This Garlic Butter Capellini Pomodoro with Shrimp is a light, flavorful Italian-inspired pasta dish combining tender shrimp sautéed in olive oil with a rich, garlicky tomato sauce simmered in broth and finished with fresh basil and butter. Served over delicate capellini and topped with Parmesan cheese, it balances freshness and comfort in an easy-to-make meal perfect for weeknights or special occasions.

• Author: lucas
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Shrimp

• 1 lb. large shrimp
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• Olive oil for the pan, about 1 tablespoon

Pomodoro Sauce

• 4 cloves garlic, minced or finely chopped
• 4 cups diced fresh tomatoes or halved cherry tomatoes
• 2 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, cut or torn into small pieces
• Salt, to taste

Pasta

• 8 ounces DeLallo capellini pasta
• Parmesan cheese, for topping, about 1/4 cup grated

Instructions

1. Cook the Shrimp: Heat about 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the shrimp with salt and black pepper. Add the shrimp to the pan and cook for about 2 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
2. Prepare the Garlic Butter Pomodoro Sauce: In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed and reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the minced garlic and sauté gently for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Then add the diced or halved tomatoes along with the chicken or vegetable broth. Simmer the mixture for approximately 10 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to break down and the sauce to thicken slightly.
3. Cook the Capellini: While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the capellini according to the package instructions until al dente, typically 3-4 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside.
4. Combine Sauce and Shrimp: Once the sauce has thickened to your liking, stir in the butter and fresh basil leaves. Continue to cook on low heat until the butter melts completely and the basil is fragrant. Season the sauce with salt to taste. Return the cooked shrimp to the pan, stirring them gently to coat with the sauce and warm through.
5. Serve: Plate the cooked capellini and spoon the garlic butter pomodoro sauce with shrimp over the top. Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and, if desired, a sprinkle of salt and black pepper. Serve immediately while hot.

Notes

• Use fresh, ripe tomatoes for the best flavor in the pomodoro sauce, or cherry tomatoes for a sweeter taste and quicker cooking time.
• If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute shrimp with sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables and use vegetable broth.
• Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become rubbery and tough.
• Capellini cooks very quickly; keep an eye on the pasta to avoid overcooking it.
• Fresh basil added at the end of cooking preserves its bright, aromatic flavor.
• The dish can be served with extra Parmesan cheese or a drizzle of good quality olive oil for finishing.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.

Keywords: Garlic Butter Shrimp, Capellini, Pomodoro Sauce, Italian Pasta, Quick Dinner, Seafood Pasta