Imagine twirling your fork into a plate of delicate capellini pasta, adorned with succulent shrimp, bursting cherry tomatoes, and briny capers - a restaurant-quality meal that comes together in just 25 minutes! This Italian-inspired dish is not just a recipe; it's a culinary experience that promises to elevate your home cooking from ordinary to extraordinary. Whether you're looking to impress a date, treat your family, or simply indulge in a gourmet meal without spending hours in the kitchen, this Capellini with Shrimp, Capers, and Tomatoes is your ultimate solution.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz capellini pasta
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp capers
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
- While water is heating, pat shrimp dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.
- Add capellini pasta to boiling water and cook according to package instructions, typically 3-4 minutes until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Add seasoned shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and are just cooked through. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add halved cherry tomatoes and capers. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until tomatoes start to soften and release their juices.
- Return shrimp to the skillet and add drained capellini pasta. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water if needed to create a light sauce.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
- Plate the pasta and garnish with fresh torn basil leaves.
- Serve immediately while hot, with optional grated Parmesan cheese on the side.
Tips
- Pat your shrimp completely dry before seasoning to ensure perfect searing and prevent steaming.
- Don't overcook the shrimp - they should turn pink and look slightly curled, which typically takes 2-3 minutes per side.
- Reserve pasta water before draining - its starchy goodness helps create a silky sauce that clings perfectly to the pasta.
- Use fresh basil for garnishing to add a bright, aromatic finish to the dish.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine when sautéing the tomatoes and capers.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the pasta at its best texture and temperature.
- If you prefer a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 180mg
