Dinner

Garlic Butter Capellini Pomodoro with Shrimp Recipe

Bynova cole February 17, 2026February 17, 2026

Introduction

This Garlic Butter Capellini Pomodoro with Shrimp is a light yet flavorful pasta dish that combines tender shrimp with a fresh tomato and garlic sauce. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion when you want something simple but impressive.

A white speckled bowl holds a dish with three main layers: the bottom layer is a light yellow tangle of thin spaghetti noodles, soft and loosely piled; the middle layer consists of golden-brown sausage slices and bright orange cooked shrimp arranged on top, mixed with some wilted green herbs; the top layer features scattered white cheese shavings and black ground pepper sprinkled evenly over the shrimp and sausage; a woman's hand with black nail polish holds the bowl from the side with a silver fork resting inside; the background has a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb. large shrimp
Salt, pepper, and olive oil for the pan
4 cloves garlic
4 cups diced fresh tomatoes or halved cherry tomatoes
2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
4 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, cut or torn into small pieces
Salt to taste
8 ounces DeLallo capellini
Parmesan cheese for topping

Instructions

Step 1: Heat a swish of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook until pink on both sides, about 2 minutes per side. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.
Step 2: In the same pan, add a little more oil and sauté the garlic over medium-low heat for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add the diced tomatoes and broth, then simmer for about 10 minutes until the tomatoes break down and the sauce begins to thicken.
Step 3: While the sauce simmers, cook the capellini according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
Step 4: Stir the butter and fresh basil into the thickened sauce. If the sauce needs more thickening, keep it on low heat for a little longer. Season to taste with salt.
Step 5: Add the cooked shrimp back into the sauce. Serve the shrimp and sauce over the capellini, topped with Parmesan cheese and additional salt and pepper if desired.

Tips & Variations

For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic.
Use cherry tomatoes for a sweeter, fresher flavor and a bit of texture.
Replace shrimp with scallops or chicken for a different protein option.
To make it vegetarian, omit the shrimp and use vegetable broth.
Freshly grated Parmesan adds the best flavor, but you can substitute with Pecorino Romano if preferred.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving directly as it may dry out the shrimp and pasta.