Hey there, my friend 👋. If you love pasta that’s light, buttery, and packed with fresh tomato goodness, then you are in for a treat. This garlic butter capellini pomodoro with shrimp is everything you need in a quick and delicious meal.
The best part? It comes together in just 20 minutes. Yes, you read that right. The garlic butter coats every strand of pasta, the fresh tomatoes bring in that juicy sweetness, and the shrimp? Oh, they soak up all that flavor like a dream.
Let’s get cooking.
Utensils You Need
These are the utensils and/or equipment you need to make this recipe:
- Large pot
- Large skillet
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Colander
- Tongs
Important Info
- Servings: 4 plates
- Estimated Cost to make this recipe: Around $15 depending on ingredient prices in your area
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 10 minutes
- Total time: 20 minutes
- Calories per serving: 480 kcal
- Cook method: Stovetop
- Season: Best enjoyed in Summer but great all year round
- Courses: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diets: LowCalorieDiet, DairyFreeDiet
How to Make Garlic Butter Capellini Pomodoro with Shrimp
Now I am going to tell you what ingredients you need to make this delicacy and how to make it.
Ingredients You Need
- 8 oz capellini (angel hair pasta)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 12 oz shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan (optional)
- Juice of ½ lemon
Alternative Ingredients
If you do not have the ingredients I listed above, do not worry. You can swap them out for the alternatives below.
| Ingredient | Alternative |
|---|---|
| Capellini | Spaghetti or linguine |
| Olive oil | Vegetable oil or avocado oil |
| Unsalted butter | Salted butter (reduce salt in the recipe) |
| Cherry tomatoes | Diced Roma or grape tomatoes |
| Fresh basil | Dried basil (use half the amount) |
| Parmesan | Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast (for dairy-free) |
| Lemon juice | White wine vinegar |
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add capellini and cook according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the shrimp: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook for 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
- Make the garlic butter sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter and add garlic and red pepper flakes. Stir for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Cook the tomatoes: Add cherry tomatoes, salt, and black pepper. Let them cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften.
- Combine everything: Add the shrimp back to the skillet along with the drained capellini. Toss everything together, making sure the pasta is well coated in the sauce.
- Finish with fresh basil and lemon: Turn off the heat and stir in fresh basil and lemon juice. Toss again.
- Serve immediately: Garnish with grated Parmesan (if using) and enjoy.
Helpful Tips
- Use fresh shrimp – It makes a big difference in flavor. If using frozen shrimp, thaw them completely before cooking.
- Don’t overcook the pasta – Capellini cooks fast, so keep an eye on it. Overcooked pasta becomes mushy.
- Add extra garlic – If you love garlic, feel free to double the amount. No judgment here.
- Make it spicy – Add more red pepper flakes if you want extra heat.
- Use a good-quality olive oil – Since this recipe is simple, every ingredient matters. A good olive oil will bring out the best flavors.
What to Serve with Garlic Butter Capellini Pomodoro with Shrimp
This dish is already amazing on its own, but if you want to make it a full meal, here are some great sides:
- Garlic bread – Because extra garlic is always a good idea.
- Caesar salad – A fresh and crisp salad balances out the buttery pasta.
- Roasted vegetables – Try asparagus or zucchini for an extra serving of greens.
- Chilled white wine – A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio pairs beautifully.
How Do You Serve This Recipe?
I like to serve this straight from the skillet onto plates while it’s still hot. Twirl the pasta with tongs for that restaurant-style presentation. If you have extra Parmesan, sprinkle it on top before serving.
Where Do You Serve This Recipe the Most?
This is perfect for date nights, family dinners, and even casual get-togethers. It’s fancy enough to impress guests but easy enough to make on a busy weeknight.
It also works great for summer picnics because it’s light and fresh. Just pack it in an airtight container and enjoy it at room temperature.
Storage
Short-term Storage (Room Temperature)
- If you’re planning to eat it within 2 hours, leave it covered on the counter.
- Keep it away from direct sunlight to prevent it from drying out.
Refrigeration
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.
Freezing
- Not recommended. The texture of capellini and tomatoes changes after freezing. If you must freeze it, do so without the shrimp and add fresh shrimp when reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, but make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. Pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture so they sear properly.
Can I use regular pasta instead of capellini?
Yes, but capellini cooks faster and absorbs the sauce better. If using spaghetti or linguine, adjust the cook time accordingly.
Is this dish spicy?
Not really, but the red pepper flakes add a little heat. You can skip them if you prefer a milder flavor.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, just skip the shrimp and add mushrooms or zucchini for a meatless version.
What type of tomatoes work best?
Cherry or grape tomatoes are best because they are naturally sweet and juicy. If using larger tomatoes, dice them into small pieces.
Meta Description
Garlic butter capellini pomodoro with shrimp recipe – a light, buttery, and fresh tomato pasta dish ready in just 20 minutes. Perfect for a quick dinner.