Capellini Pomodoro
A light, flavorful Italian pasta dish featuring fresh tomatoes, garlic, basil, and Parmesan, perfect for a quick, satisfying meal that highlights vibrant summer flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions; keep warm.
- Meanwhile, mince garlic and basil.
- Seed and dice tomatoes.
- Grate Parmesan cheese.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add garlic and cook until it turns white.
- Add tomatoes and black pepper and heat through, stirring constantly, 2 to 3 minutes.
- Remove from heat.
- Transfer hot, cooked pasta to a large bowl.
- Toss pasta gently with tomato mixture, basil, and half the Parmesan cheese.
- Serve immediately and pass remaining Parmesan cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more robust flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking the garlic. If you don't have plum tomatoes, substitute with canned diced tomatoes for convenience. Fresh basil can be replaced with dried, but use less as it is more concentrated. This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of garlic bread or a simple arugula salad.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Capellini Pomodoro hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh basil. It pairs excellently with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio. For a heartier meal, consider serving alongside a light protein such as grilled chicken or a fresh fish fillet. This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual gathering.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of olive oil or water to prevent sticking. This helps maintain the dish's fresh flavors and texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Capellini Pomodoro contains roughly 986 calories, with 37g protein, 187g carbohydrates, and 29g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (213% of the Daily Value), iron (143% of the Daily Value), and calcium (89% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 683mg per serving (30% 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 make this dish ahead of time?
While it's best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the tomato sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Cook the pasta just before serving to ensure it remains al dente. Simply reheat the sauce while the pasta cooks for a quick assembly.
What can I use instead of Parmesan cheese?
If you're looking for a substitute, Pecorino Romano is a great option as it offers a similar salty flavor. For a dairy-free alternative, nutritional yeast can provide a cheesy flavor without the dairy. Just adjust the amount to taste.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, Capellini Pomodoro is a fantastic vegetarian dish! It features fresh ingredients like tomatoes and basil, making it flavorful and satisfying. For more vegetarian recipes, you might also enjoy dishes like Low-Fat Eggplant Parmesan or Three Cheese Lasagna.
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).