Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Capellini: A 20-Minute Dinner Dream

Garlic butter shrimp capellini is a luxurious pasta dish inspired by Italian flavors and the Mediterranean coast.

This dish features tender angel hair pasta tossed with juicy shrimp in a rich, buttery sauce.

Fresh ingredients come together to create flavors that are both simple and elegant.

Fans of seafood and pasta will find this meal comforting yet sophisticated.

The bold taste of garlic blends perfectly with the natural sweetness of shrimp for an unforgettable dining experience that’s both indulgent and refined.

Anyone can whip up this restaurant-quality meal at home for a quick, impressive dinner that will impress family and friends.

How To Store Garlic Butter Shrimp Capellini Without Drying Out

• Refrigerate: Store leftover shrimp and pasta in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them separate to prevent soggy texture.
• Cool Down: Let the dish reach room temperature before sealing to prevent condensation and bacterial growth.
• Refrigeration Time: Consume stored leftovers within 1-2 days for optimal taste and food safety.
• Reheating: Gently warm in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to restore moisture and prevent drying out.

Best Sides For Garlic Butter Shrimp Capellini

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a chilled Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the light, delicate flavors of garlic butter shrimp and bright tomato sauce.
• Create Refreshing Bread Companion: Serve toasted garlic crostini or a rustic Italian ciabatta to soak up the rich sauce and provide delightful textural contrast to the tender pasta and shrimp.
• Match with Fresh Mediterranean Salad: Prepare a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, cherry tomatoes, and shaved Parmesan to balance the dish's richness and add a zesty, clean flavor profile.
• Enhance with Herbal Garnish: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or additional basil on top to elevate the dish's aroma and introduce a bright, herbaceous note that cuts through the buttery sauce.

Try These Variations Of Garlic Butter Shrimp Capellini

• Gluten-Free Option: Replace capellini pasta with zucchini noodles or gluten-free rice pasta for a celiac-friendly meal that maintains the same delicious flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Adaptation: Swap shrimp with sautéed mushrooms or plant-based shrimp alternatives, keeping the garlic butter sauce and tomato base intact for a meat-free version.
• Low-Carb Version: Use spiralized cauliflower or spaghetti squash instead of pasta, reducing carbohydrate content while preserving the rich, savory sauce and seafood elements.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute butter with olive oil or coconut oil, and skip the Parmesan cheese to create a lactose-free dish that still delivers robust Mediterranean-inspired flavors.

FAQ List For Garlic Butter Shrimp Capellini

• What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

Capellini (angel hair) pasta is ideal due to its delicate, thin strands that perfectly complement the light garlic butter sauce and shrimp.

• Can I use frozen shrimp instead of fresh?

Yes, just ensure they are completely thawed and patted dry before cooking to prevent excess water in the sauce.

• How do I know when the shrimp are perfectly cooked?

Shrimp are done when they turn pink and opaque, which typically takes about 2 minutes per side. Be careful not to overcook, as they can become rubbery.

• Is it possible to make this dish spicy?

Absolutely! Add red pepper flakes to the sauce or include a dash of cayenne pepper when seasoning the shrimp for an extra kick of heat.

Why Garlic Butter Shrimp Capellini Is So Crave-Worthy

• Quick Weeknight Winner: Whip up this elegant shrimp pasta in just 20 minutes, perfect for busy professionals craving a restaurant-quality meal at home.
• Flavor-Packed Elegance: Combines succulent shrimp, rich garlic butter sauce, and fresh basil for a sophisticated yet simple dining experience that impresses without complicated techniques.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Equally suitable for casual family dinners or romantic date nights, this dish adapts effortlessly to different occasions while satisfying diverse taste preferences.
• Restaurant-Style Simplicity: Uses basic ingredients and one-pan cooking method, allowing home cooks to create a gourmet meal with minimal kitchen skills and cleanup.

Ingredients Needed For Garlic Butter Shrimp Capellini

• Shrimp: Delicate seafood protein that cooks quickly and absorbs sauce flavors. Wild-caught or farm-raised options work well.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, salty cheese for finishing the dish with rich flavor. Best when freshly grated.

• Capellini: Ultra-thin pasta that cooks rapidly and pairs beautifully with light sauces. Look for high-quality Italian brands.

• Olive Oil: Base for cooking that adds subtle fruity undertones. Extra virgin provides best flavor.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that creates deep, savory base notes. Fresh cloves are more potent than pre-minced.
• Tomatoes: Fresh or canned option that creates rich sauce foundation. Roma or San Marzano varieties work great.
• Chicken Broth: Liquid that helps build sauce consistency and adds depth. Low-sodium preferred for better control.
• Butter: Provides creamy texture and rounds out sauce flavor. European-style butter has higher fat content.
• Fresh Basil: Bright herb that adds fresh, aromatic finish. Look for vibrant green leaves without wilting.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings for enhancing overall dish flavor. Kosher or sea salt recommended.

How To Cook Garlic Butter Shrimp Capellini Fast

Step 1: Sear Golden Shrimp

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat
• Add shrimp to the pan
• Season with salt and pepper
• Cook until shrimp turn pink and slightly crispy
• Remove shrimp and set aside on a plate

Step 2: Create Vibrant Pomodoro Sauce

• Add more olive oil to the same skillet
• Drop in minced garlic
• Sauté until garlic becomes aromatic
• Pour in tomatoes and broth
• Simmer sauce gently
• Allow tomatoes to break down
• Let sauce reduce and thicken

Step 3: Prepare Delicate Pasta

• Boil capellini in salted water
• Cook according to package instructions
• Drain pasta carefully

Step 4: Enhance Sauce with Richness

• Fold butter into simmering sauce
• Add chopped fresh basil
• Stir until butter melts completely
• Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper

Step 5: Combine and Serve

• Return shrimp to sauce
• Gently coat shrimp in sauce
• Plate capellini pasta
• Spoon shrimp and sauce over noodles
• Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese
• Garnish with extra basil leaves

Smart Tips For Garlic Butter Shrimp Capellini

• Perfectly Sauté Shrimp: Pat shrimp dry before cooking to achieve a golden-brown exterior and prevent steaming, ensuring maximum flavor and texture.
• Elevate Sauce Consistency: Crush tomatoes with the back of a spoon while simmering to create a rustic, chunky sauce that clings beautifully to delicate capellini pasta.
• Master Quick Cooking Technique: Keep shrimp cooking time brief – 2 minutes per side prevents rubbery texture and maintains tender, succulent protein.
• Choose Fresh Ingredients: Select ripe, in-season tomatoes and fresh basil to amplify the sauce's natural sweetness and aromatic qualities.
• Customize Dietary Needs: Swap regular pasta with gluten-free capellini or zucchini noodles for a low-carb alternative that keeps the dish light and adaptable.

Savory Garlic Butter Shrimp Capellini Recipe

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4.6 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Delicate Garlic Butter Shrimp Capellini dances with Italian coastal elegance, blending tender shrimp and silky pasta in a light, aromatic embrace. Culinary magic awaits you in this simple yet sophisticated dish that whispers Mediterranean charm.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 8 ounces capellini pasta
• 4 cups diced fresh tomatoes or halved cherry tomatoes

Seasonings and Aromatics:

• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup fresh basil leaves, torn
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

Liquids and Fats:

• 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 4 tablespoons butter
• Olive oil, for cooking
• Parmesan cheese, for topping

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Instructions

1. Prepare a spacious skillet and warm olive oil over medium heat, creating a sizzling surface for the seafood.
2. Gently place seasoned shrimp into the heated pan, allowing them to transform into a delicate pink hue within approximately two minutes per side.
3. Transfer the perfectly cooked shrimp to a temporary plate, preserving their tender texture.
4. Reduce the skillet’s temperature to medium-low and introduce additional olive oil for the aromatic garlic.
5. Sauté minced garlic until its fragrance permeates the kitchen, releasing rich, pungent notes.
6. Incorporate chopped tomatoes and savory broth, creating a luscious foundation for the sauce.
7. Allow the mixture to simmer, gradually breaking down tomatoes and developing a robust, velvety consistency.
8. Simultaneously, bring a pot of salted water to a rolling boil and delicately cook capellini until it reaches an al dente state.
9. Drain the pasta, reserving its silky strands for the final composition.
10. Enhance the sauce by introducing cold butter and freshly torn basil, allowing them to meld seamlessly.
11. If needed, continue simmering to achieve desired sauce thickness, concentrating flavors.
12. Reintroduce the succulent shrimp into the sauce, ensuring complete coating.
13. Artfully arrange capellini on serving plates, cascading the garlic-infused sauce and shrimp overtop.
14. Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan, additional basil leaves, and a final seasoning of salt and pepper.

Notes

• Quickly pat shrimp dry before cooking to ensure a perfect golden sear and prevent steaming.
• Use high-quality, fresh shrimp for the best texture and flavor in this delicate dish.
• Choose ripe, in-season tomatoes for a more vibrant and authentic pomodoro sauce.
• Fresh basil makes a significant difference, so avoid dried herbs if possible.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 48 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 190 mg