Name: Garlic Butter Capellini Pomodoro with Shrimp Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb. large shrimp; Salt, to taste; Pepper, to taste; Olive oil, for the pan; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 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; Parmesan cheese, for topping

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Introduction

This Garlic Butter Capellini Pomodoro with Shrimp is a light and flavorful pasta dish that combines sweet tomatoes, fragrant garlic, and tender shrimp. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion when you want something simple yet impressive.

A white speckled bowl filled with a base layer of light yellow spaghetti noodles, topped with a rich mix of orange shrimp, golden brown sausage slices, and wilted green spinach. The dish is sprinkled with white cheese flakes and black pepper, adding texture and color contrast. A silver fork rests on the left side of the bowl, held by a woman's hand with black-painted nails against a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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
Parmesan cheese for topping

Instructions

Step 1: Heat a swish of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper, then cook them until pink, about 2 minutes per side. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.
Step 2: In the same pan, add a tiny bit more oil over medium-low heat and sauté the garlic for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Add the diced tomatoes and broth, then simmer for about 10 minutes until the tomatoes break down and the sauce begins to thicken.
Step 3: Meanwhile, cook the capellini according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
Step 4: Stir the butter and fresh basil into the thickened sauce. If the sauce needs to be thicker, let it simmer on low heat a bit longer. Season with salt to taste.
Step 5: Add the cooked shrimp back into the sauce and warm through. Serve the sauce and shrimp over the drained capellini, topped with Parmesan cheese and additional salt and pepper if desired.

Tips & Variations

For a vegetarian version, omit the shrimp and use vegetable broth.
Use cherry tomatoes for a sweeter, more concentrated tomato flavor.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic for a subtle spicy kick.
Freshly grated Parmesan enhances the flavor more than pre-grated cheese.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat to prevent overcooking the shrimp. If the sauce thickens too much when chilled, add a splash of broth or water while reheating.

How to Serve

A speckled bowl filled with light yellow spaghetti noodles takes up the bottom layer, topped with a mix of orange shrimp and small yellow tomatoes, with bits of green spinach leaves spread around. The shrimp and veggies are coated in a light red sauce with visible black pepper, and sprinkled with white grated cheese. A woman's hand with black nail polish is holding a fork twirling some noodles above the bowl. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, frozen shrimp can be used. Thaw them completely before cooking to ensure even cooking and the best texture.

What type of pasta works best if I don’t have capellini?

Thin pasta like angel hair or spaghetti makes a great substitute, as they absorb the sauce well without overpowering the delicate flavors.