Olive Garden Capellini Pomodoro Receipe

Capellini Pomodoro is an incredibly simple yet utterly delicious dish featuring thin capellini pasta enveloped in a sauce crafted from fresh tomatoes, garlic, and basil, a dish that's a staple in the repertoire of Olive Garden cuisine. While the restaurant's version is beloved, making Capellini Pomodoro at home allows you to savor the freshness of your ingredients with a personal touch. Here's how to replicate this classic Italian-inspired dish at your own kitchen:

Ingredients:

• 12 oz. capellini pasta
• 4 ripe tomatoes, diced
• ¹⁄₄ cup fresh basil, chiffonade
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• ¹⁄₄ cup extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Step-by-Step Guide:

Cooking the Pasta:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add capellini pasta and cook until al dente, about 4-6 minutes. Drain, reserving a cup of pasta water.

Preparing the Pomodoro Sauce:

1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
3. Add diced tomatoes, increase the heat to medium-high, and cook until tomatoes are soft and starting to break down, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Stir in salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
5. Remove from heat, and stir in the fresh basil.

Combining Pasta and Sauce:

1. Once the pasta is cooked, immediately add it to the sauce, tossing gently to combine.
2. If the sauce needs thinning out further, add a little more pasta water.
3. Adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or basil as needed.

🍅 Note: The key to a flavorful Pomodoro sauce lies in the quality of the tomatoes used. Opt for tomatoes that are ripe, sweet, and vibrant in color for the best results.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve your Capellini Pomodoro immediately while hot.
• Garnish with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
• Pair with a simple side salad dressed with olive oil and balsamic vinegar for a complete meal.

In conclusion, bringing the Capellini Pomodoro of Olive Garden into your home kitchen is more than just a culinary activity; it's about capturing the essence of Italian simplicity and flavors. This dish, with its fresh ingredients, allows for a delightful meal that's both light and satisfying, capturing the heart of Italian cuisine with every bite.

What if I don’t have capellini pasta?

+

If capellini isn’t available, you can use angel hair or any thin spaghetti. The cooking time might vary slightly, so adjust accordingly.

Can I use canned tomatoes?

+

Yes, canned tomatoes can be a great alternative, especially when fresh tomatoes aren’t in season. Use San Marzano tomatoes for an authentic taste.

How do I store leftover Capellini Pomodoro?

+

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently to prevent overcooking the pasta, adding a splash of water if needed to revive the sauce’s texture.