20 Delicious Capellini Recipes for Every Occasion

Title: 20 Delicious Capellini Recipes for Every Occasion

When it comes to pasta, few can resist the allure of a perfectly cooked strand of capellini. This long and slender Italian staple is a chameleon in the kitchen, adapting effortlessly to a wide range of flavors and sauces. Whether you’re looking for a classic, comforting dish or something more innovative and bold, capellini is an excellent choice. In this article, we’ll explore 20 mouthwatering capellini recipes that are sure to satisfy your cravings and impress your guests. From creamy mushroom sauces to spicy arrabbiata variations, these dishes showcase the incredible versatility of this beloved pasta.

In the following pages, you’ll discover a world of flavors and inspiration for cooking with capellini. Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner for two or a feast for a crowd, we’ve got you covered.

Garlic Butter Capellini with Lemon Zest

Brighten up your pasta game with this light and flavorful recipe that combines the richness of garlic butter with the brightness of lemon zest. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Ingredients:

– 12 oz capellini (angel hair) pasta
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Freshly grated lemon zest for garnish

Instructions:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the capellini according to package instructions until al dente.
2. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes or until fragrant.
3. Remove from heat and stir in the lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Drain the cooked pasta and add it to the garlic butter mixture. Toss until well combined.
5. Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the pasta and toss again.
6. Garnish with freshly grated lemon zest and serve immediately.

Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes

Capellini Pomodoro with Fresh Basil

This classic Italian recipe is a masterclass in simplicity and flavor. Thin strands of capellini pasta are tossed with a vibrant mixture of fresh tomatoes, garlic, and basil, creating a dish that’s both light and satisfying.

Ingredients:

– 12 oz capellini pasta
– 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
– 2 tbsp fresh basil leaves, chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the capellini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking liquid before draining.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add the cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until they start to release their juices.
4. Add the reserved pasta cooking liquid to the skillet and stir to combine.
5. Toss cooked capellini pasta with the tomato mixture, basil leaves, salt, and pepper. Serve immediately, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes

Creamy Mushroom Capellini

Elevate your pasta game with this rich and flavorful Creamy Mushroom Capellini recipe, featuring sautéed mushrooms, garlic, and a velvety sauce.

Ingredients:

– 8 oz capellini pasta
– 2 cups mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup butter
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cook capellini according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add mushrooms and cook for 5-7 minutes or until they release their liquid and start browning.
4. Pour in heavy cream and stir to combine. Bring mixture to a simmer and let cook for 2-3 minutes or until slightly thickened.
5. Stir in thyme, salt, and pepper. Combine cooked capellini with the mushroom sauce. Toss to coat.
6. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes

Spicy Arrabbiata Capellini

This spicy pasta dish is a twist on the classic Italian recipe, adding a kick of heat from crushed red pepper flakes. Quick and easy to make, this Spicy Arrabbiata Capellini is perfect for a weeknight dinner.

Ingredients:

– 12 oz capellini pasta
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 3 garlic cloves, minced
– 1/4 cup crushed red pepper flakes
– 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

Instructions:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook capellini pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
2. In a medium skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes; cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly.
4. Stir in crushed tomatoes and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Combine cooked pasta and tomato sauce. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes

Capellini with Shrimp and Garlic White Wine Sauce

This recipe combines the delicate flavors of capellini pasta, succulent shrimp, and a rich garlic white wine sauce to create a dish perfect for a quick yet impressive dinner.

Ingredients:

– 12 oz (340g) capellini pasta
– 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp (30ml) olive oil
– 1/4 cup (60ml) white wine
– 1/4 cup (60ml) chicken broth
– 1 tsp (5ml) lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the capellini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and cooked through.
4. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside. Reduce heat to medium and add the white wine, chicken broth, and lemon juice. Simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce has thickened slightly.
5. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to combine with the garlic white wine sauce. If needed, add some reserved pasta water to achieve desired consistency.
6. Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss to combine with the pasta and sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.

Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Lemon Garlic Capellini with Grilled Chicken

A bright and citrusy take on the classic pasta dish, this recipe combines the flavors of lemon, garlic, and grilled chicken for a light and satisfying meal.

Ingredients:

– 8 oz capellini pasta
– 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 lemons, juiced (about 2 tbsp)
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Grill chicken breasts for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
3. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
4. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
5. Add lemon juice, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
6. Add cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat with the lemon-garlic sauce.
7. Slice grilled chicken and serve on top of pasta. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes

Capellini Carbonara with Pancetta

This Italian-inspired dish combines the smoothness of eggs, creaminess of Parmesan, and savory flavor of pancetta for a truly satisfying meal. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a restaurant-quality pasta dish at home.

Ingredients:

– 12 oz capellini (angel hair) pasta
– 6 slices pancetta, diced
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook capellini according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
2. In a medium skillet, cook pancetta over medium heat until crispy. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and black pepper.
4. Add cooked pancetta to the egg mixture and stir to combine.
5. Add reserved pasta water to the egg mixture in small increments to achieve a creamy consistency.
6. Combine cooked capellini and egg-pancetta mixture. Toss until well coated.
7. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.

Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes

Capellini Aglio e Olio with Chili Flakes

This classic Italian recipe combines the simplicity of olive oil and garlic with a spicy kick from chili flakes, all wrapped up in a delicate capellini pasta. A flavorful and satisfying meal that’s ready in no time.

Ingredients:

– 12 oz (340g) capellini pasta
– 3-4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
– 1/2 cup (120ml) extra virgin olive oil
– 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes
– Salt, to taste
– Fresh parsley or basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the capellini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a large skillet, combine olive oil, garlic, and chili flakes over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 4-5 minutes or until the garlic is golden and fragrant.
3. Add the reserved pasta water to the skillet and stir to combine.
4. Add the cooked capellini pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together until the pasta is well coated with the garlicky oil mixture.
5. Season with salt to taste, then garnish with fresh parsley or basil leaves.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes

Capellini with Clams and White Wine Sauce

This classic Italian dish combines the delicate flavors of clams and white wine with the simplicity of capellini pasta, resulting in a light and satisfying meal.

Ingredients:

– 12 oz capellini pasta
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 pound littleneck clams, scrubbed and rinsed
– 1/2 cup white wine (dry)
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook capellini according to package instructions until al dente, about 3-5 minutes. Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
3. Add clams and cook until they open, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Pour in white wine and chicken broth. Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes or until sauce has reduced slightly.
5. Combine cooked capellini with clam mixture, tossing to coat. If needed, add reserved pasta water to achieve desired consistency.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, topped with parsley and Parmesan cheese if desired.

Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes

Pesto Capellini with Cherry Tomatoes

This Italian-inspired pasta dish combines the freshness of cherry tomatoes with the rich flavor of pesto, all wrapped up in a deliciously simple recipe.

Ingredients:

– 8 oz capellini pasta
– 1/2 cup freshly made pesto (see note)
– 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the capellini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the cherry tomatoes and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until they start to release their juices.
3. Stir in the pesto and cook for an additional minute, combining with the tomato mixture.
4. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to combine with the pesto-tomato sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes

Capellini Primavera with Seasonal Vegetables

Celebrate the freshness of spring with this light and flavorful primavera dish, featuring seasonal vegetables and delicate capellini pasta.

Ingredients:

– 8 oz capellini pasta
– 2 cups mixed spring vegetables (such as asparagus, bell peppers, carrots, and zucchini)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup white wine (optional)
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)

Instructions:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the capellini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
3. Add the mixed vegetables and cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
4. If using white wine and lemon juice, add them to the skillet and simmer for an additional 2 minutes.
5. Toss the cooked pasta with the vegetable mixture, adding some reserved pasta water if needed to achieve a creamy consistency.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes

Capellini with Crab Meat and Lemon Butter Sauce

This recipe combines the delicate flavors of capellini pasta, succulent crab meat, and a bright and citrusy lemon butter sauce for a quick and satisfying meal.

Ingredients:

– 12 oz capellini pasta
– 1/2 cup jumbo lump crab meat
– 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, softened
– 2 lemons, juiced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cook capellini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
3. Stir in lemon juice and crab meat. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until crab is heated through.
4. Combine cooked pasta and sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.

Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes

Capellini Alfredo with Roasted Garlic

Elevate your pasta game with this creamy and aromatic Capellini Alfredo dish infused with the deep flavors of roasted garlic.

Ingredients:

– 12 oz capellini pasta
– 2 heads of garlic, separated into individual cloves
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter
– 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Wrap garlic cloves in foil and roast for 30-40 minutes, or until tender and mashed.
3. Cook capellini pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
4. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk to combine. Cook for 1 minute.
5. Gradually add heavy cream, whisking continuously. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes or until slightly thickened.
6. Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese, roasted garlic, salt, and black pepper.
7. Combine cooked pasta and sauce. Toss until well coated.
8. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.

Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes

Capellini with Sausage and Broccoli Rabe

This recipe combines the delicate flavor of capellini pasta with the richness of sausage and the earthy taste of broccoli rabe. A simple yet satisfying meal perfect for a weeknight dinner.

Ingredients:

– 12 oz capellini pasta
– 1 lb sweet Italian sausage, casings removed
– 2 bunches broccoli rabe, trimmed and chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook capellini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a large skillet, cook Italian sausage over medium-high heat, breaking up with a spoon as it cooks, until browned and cooked through.
3. Add chopped broccoli rabe, garlic, chicken broth, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Cook until broccoli is tender, about 5 minutes.
4. Add reserved pasta water to the skillet if the sauce seems too thick.
5. Combine cooked pasta with sausage and broccoli mixture. Toss to combine.
6. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes

Capellini with Mussels and Saffron Broth

A delicate yet flavorful dish that showcases the elegance of saffron and the brininess of mussels. This recipe is perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in.

Ingredients:

– 12 oz capellini pasta
– 2 lbs mussels, scrubbed and debearded
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1/2 cup white wine (optional)
– 1 tsp saffron threads, soaked in 2 tbsp hot water
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Bring the chicken broth, white wine (if using), and saffron mixture to a simmer.
2. Add the mussels to the pot and cook until they open, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Cook the capellini pasta according to package instructions.
4. Drain the pasta and add it to the pot with the mussel broth.
5. Toss the pasta in the flavorful broth, season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley.

Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes

Capellini with Burst Cherry Tomatoes and Burrata

A delightful Italian-inspired pasta dish that combines the simplicity of fresh cherry tomatoes with the creamy richness of burrata cheese, all wrapped up in a delicate capellini noodle.

Ingredients:

– 8 oz capellini pasta
– 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
– 8 oz burrata cheese
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the capellini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until they burst and release their juices.
3. Cut the burrata cheese into small pieces and add to the skillet with the cherry tomatoes. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Add the cooked capellini pasta to the skillet, tossing to combine with the tomato and cheese mixture. If needed, add some reserved pasta water to achieve a creamy consistency.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes

Capellini with Lemon Ricotta and Spinach

This light and refreshing pasta dish combines the sweetness of lemon with the creaminess of ricotta, all wrapped up in a delicate spinach sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Ingredients:

– 8 oz capellini
– 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
– 2 cups ricotta cheese
– 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the capellini according to package instructions until al dente.
2. In a blender or food processor, combine spinach, ricotta cheese, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth.
3. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the spinach mixture and stir until heated through.
4. Combine cooked capellini with the spinach sauce. Toss to coat.
5. Serve immediately, garnished with additional lemon wedges if desired.

Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes

Capellini with Roasted Red Pepper Sauce

This recipe showcases the sweetness of roasted red peppers paired with the delicate flavor of capellini, creating a simple yet sophisticated dish perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients:

– 12 oz (340g) capellini
– 2 large red bell peppers
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup (60ml) olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Roast the red bell peppers for 30-40 minutes, or until the skin is blistered and charred.
3. Remove the peppers from the oven and let them cool. Peel off the skin, discarding it, and place the roasted peppers in a blender with garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth.
4. Cook the capellini according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
5. Serve the capellini topped with the roasted red pepper sauce and garnished with chopped fresh basil leaves, if desired.

Cooking Time: 40-50 minutes

Capellini with Brown Butter and Sage

This recipe elevates the humble capellini pasta to new heights by combining it with a rich brown butter sauce infused with the earthy flavor of sage.

Ingredients:
– 8 oz (225g) capellini pasta
– 4 tablespoons (55g) unsalted butter
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the capellini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup (250ml) of pasta water before draining.
2. In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
3. Add remaining 2 tablespoons butter to the saucepan. Continue cooking until butter turns brown and has a nutty aroma, stirring occasionally (about 5-7 minutes).
4. Stir in chopped sage and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Add reserved pasta water to the saucepan if the sauce seems too thick.
6. Combine cooked capellini pasta with brown butter and sage sauce. Toss to coat evenly.

Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes

Capellini with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Olives

This Italian-inspired recipe combines the delicate flavor of capellini pasta with the richness of sun-dried tomatoes and the brininess of olives. Perfect for a quick yet satisfying meal.

Ingredients:

– 8 oz capellini pasta
– 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
– 1/4 cup pitted green olives, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook capellini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
3. Add sun-dried tomatoes and olives to the skillet. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until flavors are well combined.
4. Combine cooked capellini pasta with the tomato-olive mixture. Toss to combine, adding reserved pasta water as needed to achieve desired consistency.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes

Summary

Get ready to elevate your pasta game with these 20 delicious Capellini recipes! From classic combinations like Garlic Butter Capellini with Lemon Zest and Creamy Mushroom Capellini, to more adventurous options like Spicy Arrabbiata Capellini and Pesto Capellini with Cherry Tomatoes. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion dish, this list has something for everyone. Impress your friends and family with unique flavor combinations like Capellini with Shrimp and Garlic White Wine Sauce or Capellini with Crab Meat and Lemon Butter Sauce. Whatever the occasion, these recipes are sure to delight!