Capellini Recipe: A Versatile and Elegant Pasta Dish

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Capellini, often called “angel hair” pasta, is a delicate and versatile type of Italian pasta. Its thin strands cook quickly and pair wonderfully with a variety of sauces, making it a favorite for quick yet elegant meals. Here’s how you can prepare a perfect capellini recipe using accessible ingredients and simple techniques.

Ingredients for a Classic Capellini Recipe

Here’s a breakdown of ingredients with U.S.-friendly measurements for a classic capellini dish with garlic and olive oil:

Main Ingredients

  • Capellini Pasta: 14 oz (one standard package)
  • Olive Oil: 1/4 cup
  • Garlic: 4 cloves, thinly sliced
  • Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 tsp (adjust to taste)
  • Fresh Parsley: 1/4 cup, chopped
  • Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup, freshly grated
  • Lemon Zest: 1 tsp

Optional Additions

  • Cherry Tomatoes: 1 cup, halved
  • Shrimp or Chicken: 12 oz of peeled and deveined shrimp, or 1 lb of boneless chicken breast, cubed
  • White Wine: 1/4 cup, optional

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cooking the Capellini

Capellini cooks extremely fast due to its thinness:

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil (use about 1 tablespoon of salt for every 4 quarts of water).
  2. Add the capellini and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  3. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.

2. Preparing the Sauce

  1. Heat 1/4 cup of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add the sliced garlic and sauté until fragrant and golden, about 1 minute.
  3. Stir in red pepper flakes and optional white wine. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes.
  4. Add 1/4 cup of the reserved pasta water to the skillet, creating a light sauce.

3. Combining the Pasta and Sauce

  1. Toss the cooked capellini directly into the skillet, ensuring it’s well-coated with the sauce.
  2. Add fresh parsley and lemon zest, tossing gently.

4. Adding Optional Ingredients

If desired, mix in cherry tomatoes, shrimp, or chicken:

  • For shrimp: Cook in the skillet for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink before adding the pasta.
  • For chicken: Sauté until golden and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes, before mixing with the pasta.

5. Garnishing and Serving

  1. Plate the capellini and sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the top.
  2. Drizzle with a little extra olive oil and garnish with parsley.

Delicious Variations

1. Capellini Pomodoro

  • Use 4-5 medium tomatoes, peeled and diced, to create a fresh tomato sauce.
  • Sauté garlic in olive oil, add the tomatoes, and simmer until thickened.
  • Toss with capellini and garnish with basil.

2. Lemon Butter Capellini

  • Replace olive oil with 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter.
  • Add the juice of 1 lemon and a pinch of black pepper for a creamy, tangy sauce.

3. Seafood Capellini

  • Add 8 oz of clams, mussels, or scallops to the garlic sauce.
  • Deglaze with white wine and toss with the pasta for a luxurious dish.

4. Spicy Capellini Arrabbiata

  • Use 1/2 cup of marinara sauce or canned crushed tomatoes.
  • Add 1 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes for heat and finish with Parmesan.

Tips for Success

1. Cook Capellini Just Right

Because of its thinness, capellini can overcook quickly. Aim for al dente by following the package instructions closely.

2. Use Fresh Ingredients

  • Fresh garlic, parsley, and high-quality olive oil make a noticeable difference in flavor.
  • Opt for freshly grated Parmesan for the best results.

3. Leverage Pasta Water

The starchy water helps create a silky sauce that clings to the pasta.

Nutritional Information

A serving of capellini (about 2 oz dry pasta with olive oil and garlic) contains:

  • Calories: ~400
  • Protein: 12 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 55 grams
  • Fat: 12 grams

Serving Suggestions

Sides

  • Salad: A light arugula or Caesar salad pairs well.
  • Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread adds a hearty touch.

Drinks

  • Wine: Pair with Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
  • Non-Alcoholic: Sparkling water with lemon works beautifully.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I Use Angel Hair Pasta Instead?

Yes! Angel hair is a common alternative to capellini in U.S. markets and works perfectly in this recipe.

2. How Can I Make Capellini Gluten-Free?

Choose gluten-free capellini or angel hair pasta, widely available in grocery stores.

3. Can I Make It Ahead?

Prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the fridge. Cook the pasta fresh and toss it with the reheated sauce before serving.

4. Is It Okay to Reheat Capellini?

Yes, but reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of pasta water or olive oil to avoid drying it out.

5. What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Conclusion

Capellini is a versatile and quick-cooking pasta perfect for creating elegant meals with minimal effort. From a classic garlic and olive oil preparation to seafood or creamy variations, the possibilities are endless. Try this capellini recipe for your next meal, and let its delicate texture and rich flavors transport you to Italy.

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