Herbed Capellini with Fresh Tomato Sauce
Experience a delightful blend of flavors with our Herbed Capellini with Fresh Tomato Sauce, inspired by the beloved Olive Garden dish. This light and aromatic pasta dish showcases perfectly cooked capellini, enveloped in a homemade sauce made from ripe tomatoes, fragrant basil, and a hint of garlic. Perfect for any occasion, this recipe serves up a burst of summer freshness in every bite. Perfect for a family dinner or a romantic evening, this dish will impress your guests and keep them coming back for more.
4
Servings
160
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
capellini pasta
14 ounces (cooked according to package directions)
medium tomatoes
8 (cut into 1/2-inch pieces)
fresh basil leaves
11 (chopped)
garlic cloves
2 (chopped)
olive oil
6 tablespoons (extra virgin for enhanced flavor)
salt
to taste (fine sea salt preferred)
fresh ground black pepper
to taste (freshly cracked for aroma)
Instructions
1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the capellini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, chopped basil, chopped garlic, and olive oil. Stir gently to combine and season the mixture with fine sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste.
3
In a large sauté pan over medium heat, add the drained pasta and pour the tomato mixture over it. Toss gently until the pasta is well coated and heated through, about 2-3 minutes.
4
Remove the pan from heat and let sit for a minute to allow the flavors to meld together. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
5
Serve the capellini immediately, garnished with additional fresh basil leaves if desired.
Nutrition Information
8g
Fat
20g
Carbs
3g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Herbed Capellini with Fresh Tomato Sauce?
It is a light and aromatic pasta dish inspired by Olive Garden, featuring capellini pasta, ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, and garlic.
What kind of pasta is used in this recipe?
This recipe uses 14 ounces of capellini pasta, also known as angel hair pasta.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe serves 4 people.
Is this Herbed Capellini recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this dish is classified as vegetarian.
How many calories are in one serving of this dish?
There are approximately 160 calories per serving.
What are the primary flavors of this recipe?
The dish features a burst of summer freshness from ripe tomatoes, fragrant basil, and a hint of garlic.
Is this an Olive Garden copycat recipe?
Yes, this recipe is inspired by the beloved Olive Garden dish.
How long do you cook the pasta with the sauce?
After combining, toss the pasta with the tomato mixture in a pan for about 2-3 minutes until heated through.
How many tomatoes do I need?
You will need 8 medium tomatoes for this recipe.
What is the recommended preparation for the tomatoes?
The tomatoes should be cut into 1/2-inch pieces.
Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?
The recipe calls for 11 fresh basil leaves, chopped, to provide the best aromatic flavor.
How much olive oil is required?
The recipe requires 6 tablespoons of olive oil.
What type of olive oil should I use?
Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for an enhanced flavor profile.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
The recipe calls for 2 garlic cloves, chopped.
How should the pasta be cooked?
Cook the capellini in a large pot of salted water according to the package instructions until al dente.
What type of salt is best for this recipe?
Fine sea salt is preferred for seasoning this dish.
How much protein is in each serving?
Each serving contains 3 grams of protein.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 8 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this pasta dish?
Each serving contains 20 grams of carbohydrates.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe and a quick meal.
What is the best way to garnish this dish?
You can garnish the capellini with additional fresh basil leaves before serving.
Do you cook the tomatoes into a sauce first?
No, you combine the diced tomatoes, basil, garlic, and oil in a bowl first, then heat them briefly with the cooked pasta.
What kind of pepper should I use?
Freshly cracked black pepper is recommended for the best aroma.
Should I let the dish sit before serving?
Yes, after heating, remove the pan from the heat and let it sit for a minute to allow the flavors to meld.
Can I add other ingredients to this recipe?
While this is a simple fresh sauce, you could easily add proteins like grilled chicken or shrimp.
Is the garlic sautéed before adding the tomatoes?
In this specific recipe, the garlic is mixed raw with the tomatoes and oil before being tossed with the hot pasta.
Is this dish served hot or cold?
This dish is intended to be served immediately while heated through.
How do I ensure the pasta is 'al dente'?
Follow the specific boiling time on the pasta package and test for a firm, slightly chewy texture.
What makes this sauce 'fresh'?
The sauce is made using raw, ripe tomatoes and fresh herbs rather than canned or long-simmered ingredients.
Is this recipe suitable for a romantic dinner?
Yes, its light, aromatic, and impressive presentation makes it perfect for a romantic evening or family dinner.