capellini

5 Delectable Capellini Recipes to Impress Your Dinner Guests

What is Capellini?

Capellini is a very thin variety of Italian pasta that has a diameter between 1-3 mm. It has a lovely light and delicate texture that makes it perfect for all kinds of dishes. Capellini is often called "angel hair pasta" because of how fine and wispy it looks, almost like strands of hair from an angel!

capellini

This thin pasta originates from the Campania region of Italy and is a classic ingredient in Italian cuisine. It cooks quickly - usually in just 2–3 minutes, so it's perfect for fast weeknight meals. The delicate strands also nicely absorb the flavors of light sauces, fresh vegetables, seafood, and more.

Why Capellini Recipes are Sure to Dazzle Your Dinner Guests

Capellini is the perfect pasta to serve when you want to impress guests with an elegant yet easy Italian-inspired dinner. The thin strands look so delicate and graceful on the plate, immediately piquing interest and appetite.

And while capellini looks fancy, it's simple to prepare as the pasta cooks so quickly and can be topped with all kinds of easy homemade sauces. From fresh tomato sauce to lemony garlic sauce to pesto, capellini is the ideal blank canvas for letting vibrant herbs and produce shine.

The lightness of the pasta also makes it the perfect starting point for showcasing seasonal vegetables, seafood,, and more without weighing everything down. So read on for 5 delectable capellini recipes that are sure to have your dinner guests oohing and ahhing!

1. Classic Capellini Pomodoro

A Quick Dive into the Fresh, Tomatoey Goodness

Nothing is more quintessentially Italian than a simple, fresh tomato-based pasta, and capellini pomodoro perfectly brings this classic combination to life. The thin angel-hair pasta strands drink the bright tomato sauce infused with basil, garlic, and olive oil.

And while the Pomodoro sauce starts here, it comes together quickly by just simmering canned tomatoes to concentrate the flavors. Then finish it with some fresh torn basil and you have a fast, flavor-packed dinner that still looks gourmet.

Step-by-Step Guide to Creating this Simple Yet Elegant Dish

Ingredients:

• 1 package capellini pasta
• 1 28 oz can crush tomatoes
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1⁄4 cup olive oil
• 10 fresh basil leaves, torn into pieces, plus more for garnish
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Grated parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the capellini according to package directions until al dente.
2. Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
3. Add the crushed tomatoes, basil leaves, salt and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes to melt the flavors and reduce down a bit.
4. Drain the cooked capellini and add it directly to the sauce. Gently toss everything together so the pasta strands are evenly coated.

Serve the capellini pomodoro garnished with more torn basil leaves, parmesan cheese, and a drizzle of olive oil. Enjoy!

capellini with Garlic

2. Capellini with Garlic, Lemon, and Parmesan

The Zesty Appeal of Lemon and Parmesan on Delicate Capellini

This capellini dish proves that you don't need an elaborate sauce to make a delicious pasta meal. The combination of garlicky olive oil, bright lemon, and salty Parmesan is so simple yet packs a flavor punch that dances beautifully with the angel hair pasta.

Squeezing fresh lemon juice right before serving helps preserve the citrus flavor for a welcome zing. And not overcooking the garlic keeps it mellow, aromatic, and perfectly cooked so it infuses into the oil. Consider doubling the batch - this easy veggie pasta would make great leftovers!

How to Whip Up This Flavor-Packed Meal in Minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 package capellini
• 1⁄3 cup olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 1 lemon, zested and juiced
• 1⁄4 cup Parmesan cheese
• Chopped Italian parsley for garnish
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the capellini according to package directions until al dente.
2. While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil and garlic together in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Cook just until the garlic is soft and aromatic but not browned, about 2 minutes.
3. Drain the cooked pasta and add it to the garlic oil. Squeeze in the lemon juice and add the lemon zest, Parmesan cheese, parsley, and salt & pepper. Toss everything to combine thoroughly and coat the capellini.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve the lemony capellini immediately, garnished with more parsley.

Seafood Capellini 

3. Seafood Capellini with White Wine Sauce

Marrying the Ocean's Bounty with Capellini's Lightness

This elegant pasta dish is perfect for a special occasion dinner. Plump shrimp and tender scallops pair deliciously with the delicate capellini, blanketed in a velvety, lemon-kissed white wine sauce.

The key is not overcooking the seafood so it stays tender. Searing the scallops and shrimp locks in moisture and flavor. Then they gently finish cooking nestled into the garlicky wine sauce with the pasta. It looks impressive but comes together in under 30 minutes for a restaurant-worthy meal!

Crafting a Restaurant-Quality Seafood Pasta at Home

Ingredients:

• 1 package capellini
• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 lb sea scallops
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup dry white wine
• 1 lemon, zested and juiced
• 1⁄4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the capellini according to package directions until al dente.
2. While the pasta cooks, pat the shrimp and scallops dry with paper towels. Season with salt and pepper.
3. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons oil over medium-high heat. Working in batches if needed, add the shrimp and scallops and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until just opaque. Transfer to a plate.
4. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon oil and the garlic to the skillet. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the white wine and lemon juice. Bring to a simmer and let cook for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
5. Drain the pasta and add it to the skillet along with the seared shrimp and scallops. Gently toss everything together until the seafood and pasta are evenly coated in the sauce.
6. Remove from heat and stir in the lemon zest and parsley. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve warm.

Creamy Basil Pesto

4. Capellini with Creamy Basil Pesto

The Rich, Herbaceous Twist on Traditional Pesto Pasta

Creamy pesto makes such a perfect pairing for delicate capellini. Blending basil, pine nuts, and Parmesan with olive oil and a touch of cream creates an ultra-rich pesto that beautifully coats each strand.

The flavor of the classic Genovese-style pesto shines here but gets an added boost of creaminess from just a spoonful of cream cheese. This small addition makes the pesto sauce cling perfectly to the thin pasta strands without weighing it down.

Blending the Perfect Pesto for a Creamy Pasta Experience

Ingredients:

• 1 package capellini
• 2 cups fresh basil leaves
• 1⁄3 cup pine nuts
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1⁄2 cup olive oil
• 1⁄4 cup Parmesan cheese
• 2 oz cream cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the capellini according to package directions until al dente.
2. While the pasta cooks, make the pesto. In a food processor or blender, combine the basil, pine nuts, garlic, olive oil, Parmesan, and cream cheese. Puree until smooth, stopping to scrape down sides as needed.
3. Drain the pasta and transfer it directly to the pesto sauce. Gently toss together, allowing the hot pasta to melt the cream cheese completely so it all blends smoothly.

Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan and basil garnish if desired. Enjoy!

Spicy Capellini

5. Spicy Capellini Arrabbiata

Turning up the Heat with a Spicy Tomato-Based Sauce

Arrabbiata means "angry" in Italian, and this traditional pasta sauce brings some heat! With a base of garlic, olive oil, and crushed red pepper flakes, it clings nicely to thin capellini strands with a spicy kick.

The red pepper flakes can be adjusted to suit your preferred level of heat. But starting with 1⁄4 cup infuses the sauce with a noticeable tingle. Tomato paste is also added to the sauce for extra richness and a body that stands up well to the spice.

Balancing Spice and Simplicity for a Fiery Feast

Ingredients:

• 1 package capellini
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1⁄4 cup tomato paste1 28 oz can diced tomatoes
• 1⁄4 cup crushed red pepper flakes
• 1⁄4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the capellini according to package directions until al dente.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
3. Stir in the tomato paste and red pepper flakes. Cook for 2 minutes to toast the flakes and coat everything in the oil.
4. Add the canned diced tomatoes along with their juice. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes to melt the flavors.
5. Remove from heat and stir in the chopped basil. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
6. Drain the cooked pasta and add directly to the sauce. Gently toss to coat the capellini strands evenly. Serve immediately with extra basil and Parmesan if desired.

Conclusion

Recapping Our Journey Through Capellini Delights

We've explored 5 delicious capellini recipes, from easy tomato basil pasta to fancy seafood dinners and everything in between. This delicate angel hair pasta makes the perfect base for both simple and complex recipes.

The key with capellini is not overcooking it and letting it start as the canvas for vibrant ingredients to shine through. Whether showcasing seasonal produce like juicy tomatoes or quality proteins like sweet shrimp, capellini rises to any occasion.

So consider keeping a box of this thin and wispy pasta on hand for impromptu weeknight meals or impressive dinner parties. Your creativity is the only limit when it comes to crafting elegant dishes starring capellini!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the difference between capellini and angel hair pasta?

Capellini and angel hair pasta are essentially the same, with only a minor difference in their diameter. Capellini has a slightly larger diameter of 0.85-0.92mm, while angel hair pasta is even thinner at 0.78-0.88mm.

2. What is the best way to cook capellini?

Capellini cooks very quickly, typically only needing 2-3 minutes in boiling salted water. It's important to watch it closely and remove it from the heat as soon as it becomes al dente.

3. What are some good sauces for capellini?

Capellini pairs well with a variety of sauces, due to its delicate nature and ability to absorb flavors. Some popular choices include:

• Tomato-based sauces: Pomodoro, marinara, arrabbiata
• Cream-based sauces: Alfredo, pesto, carbonara
• Garlic and olive oil: Simple and flavorful
• Lemon and butter: Light and refreshing

4. What are some other ways to use capellini besides pasta dishes?

Capellini can be used in various other dishes, such as:

• Salads: Adds a light and textural element
• Soups: Adds a delicate flavor and texture
• Fritters: Mixed with cheese and herbs for a delicious appetizer
• Stuffed vegetables: Used as a filling for zucchini, peppers, or tomatoes

5. What are some tips for making the perfect capellini dish?

Here are some tips for ensuring your capellini dish turns out perfectly:

• Don't overcook the pasta.
• Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
• Don't overload the pasta with too much sauce.
• Serve immediately for the best texture.
• Experiment with different sauces and toppings to find your favorites.

6. What are some popular capellini recipes besides the ones listed in the article?

Here are a few more popular capellini recipes you might enjoy:

• Capellini with roasted vegetables
• Capellini with shrimp and asparagus
• Capellini with chicken and pesto
• Capellini with tomato and mozzarella salad
• Capellini carbonara with smoked salmon

7. Where can I find more recipes for capellini dishes?

You can find a vast selection of capellini recipes online and in cookbooks. Some popular sources include:

• Food websites like Allrecipes, Food Network, and Epicurious
• Cookbooks focused on Italian cuisine
• Blogs specializing in pasta dishes

8. Can I substitute capellini with another type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute capellini with other thin pasta shapes like angel hair, spaghetti, or vermicelli. However, the cooking time may need to be adjusted slightly depending on the chosen pasta.

9. What are some good vegetarian and vegan options for capellini dishes?

There are many delicious vegetarian and vegan capellini recipes available. Some popular choices include:

• Capellini with pesto and vegetables
• Capellini with marinara sauce and tofu
• Capellini with creamy cashew sauce and roasted vegetables
• Capellini with lentil marinara
• Capellini with a simple tomato and garlic sauce

10. What are some tips for making capellini dishes gluten-free?

To make capellini dishes gluten-free, you can use gluten-free pasta substitutes like brown rice pasta, quinoa pasta, or lentil pasta. Ensure all other ingredients in your chosen recipe are also gluten-free.