Capellini Amanda(A Light And Easy Dish Served Over Angel Hair Pasta)
A light, flavorful angel hair pasta dish with fresh seafood, tomatoes, garlic, basil, and cheeses, perfect for a quick, elegant meal that delights the senses.
Ingredients
- 12 small clams, scrubbed ⓘ
- 12 mussels, de-bearded and scrubbed ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil
- 1/4 c. red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. fresh basil ⓘ
- 2 (14.5 oz.) cans diced tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 small onion, chopped ⓘ
- 3 to 4 cloves garlic, crushed ⓘ
- 1 c. fresh mushrooms
- 1 medium tomato, chopped ⓘ
- 1 lb. angel hair pasta ⓘ
- 1/4 c. Romano cheese ⓘ
- 1/4 c. Parmesan cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- In olive oil, sauté chopped onion, crushed garlic, and fresh mushrooms until tender.
- Add canned diced tomatoes to the sautéed mixture.
- Simmer the sauce on low heat for 10 minutes.
- Stir in red wine vinegar, salt, pepper, chopped basil, Romano cheese, and Parmesan cheese.
- Continue simmering the sauce for a few more minutes.
- Meanwhile, cook angel hair pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Add cleaned small clams and de-bearded mussels to the sauce, cooking until shells open.
- Drain pasta and toss with the seafood and sauce.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional cheese if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter sauce, consider using fresh tomatoes instead of canned. If clams and mussels are unavailable, shrimp can be a great substitute. Fresh herbs like parsley or oregano can enhance flavor, and a splash of lemon juice can brighten the dish. Ensure the pasta is not overcooked, as it will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the hot sauce. Browse more Italian recipes for inspiration.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Capellini Amanda hot, garnished with fresh basil and additional Romano or Parmesan cheese. It pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. A light white wine, such as Pinot Grigio, complements the seafood flavors nicely. This dish is perfect for a casual dinner or a special occasion.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm the dish in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent it from drying out. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the pasta soggy and rubbery.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Capellini Amanda(A Light And Easy Dish Served Over Angel Hair Pasta) contains roughly 763 calories, with 41g protein, 96g carbohydrates, and 30g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (168% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2488mg per serving (108% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of seafood for this recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe is versatile; feel free to substitute with your favorite seafood. Shrimp, scallops, or even crab can work well. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as different seafood may require varying times to cook through.
What can I serve with Capellini Amanda?
Capellini Amanda pairs well with a side of sautéed vegetables or a light salad. Garlic bread is also a great accompaniment to soak up the delicious sauce. For a refreshing drink, consider serving it with a chilled glass of white wine.
How do I know when the clams and mussels are cooked?
Clams and mussels are cooked when their shells open. Discard any that remain closed after cooking, as they are not safe to eat. Make sure to monitor them closely to avoid overcooking, which can make them tough.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).