Capellini Pomodoro

By
Diana Rattray
Diana Rattray
Diana Rattray
Southern-cuisine expert and cookbook author Diana Rattray has created more than 5,000 recipes and articles in her 20 years as a food writer.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Updated on 05/31/24
Prep: 15 mins
Cook: 12 mins
Total: 27 mins
Servings: 4 servings

This filling, simple recipe for angel hair pasta with a fresh tomato basil sauce, known as Capellini Pomodoro, is purported to be similar to the one served at the Olive Garden chain of restaurants. Many agree that this take on the classic Italian dish is very similar—if not an exact clone—to the famous restaurant's version. But no matter the origin and similarity in flavor to other pasta dishes, this easy pasta meal is a great weeknight dinner for busy families. It's ready in less than 30 minutes, and the ingredients could be sitting in your cupboard right now. The thin texture of the pasta is the perfect accompaniment to the fruity, fragrant sauce, while a handful of tangy and salty Parmesan tops the dish.

Angel hair pasta with tomato and basil sauce, sprinkled with Parmesan cheese

The Spruce Eats / Diana Chistruga

Capellini ("little hairs" in Italian) and angel hair pasta are similar products but are sold under different names. The first is, obviously, of Italian origin, and the latter is the English denomination for it. The thickness of the pasta is also similar, with the angel hair slightly thinner. For our recipe, you could use either one.

This dish is wonderful with a side of cheesy garlic bread and a crisp salad. For more add-ons, feel free to serve the pasta with grilled eggplant, zucchini, shrimp, or chicken. 

What You'll Need to Make This Capellini Pomodoro Recipe
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A Great Garlic Press
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A Handy Dandy Pasta Pot
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A Nifty Cheese Grater
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Ingredients

  • 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 2 (14.5-ounce) cans diced tomatoes

  • salt,to taste

  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

  • 12 ounces angel hair pasta, or capellini

  • 2 loosely packed cups basil leaves, chopped

  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

    Ingredients for angel hair pasta with tomatoes and basil sauce recipe gathered

    The Spruce Eats / Diana Chistruga

  2. Heat 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil in a skillet or saute pan over medium-low heat. Add 3 cloves garlic (minced) and cook for about 2 minutes or until tender and fragrant.

    Garlic and oil in a frying pan on a burner

    The Spruce Eats / Diana Chistruga

  3. Add 2 (14.5-ounce) cans diced tomatoes, salt to taste, and freshly ground black pepper to taste and heat through, stirring constantly, for about 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from the heat.

    Chunky thick tomato sauce being stirred in the frying pan on a burner

    The Spruce Eats / Diana Chistruga

  4. Bring a tall pasta pot filled with water to a rapid boil. Salt generously.

  5. Cook the 12 ounces angel hair pasta or capellini following the package directions. Drain well.

    Angel hair pasta in a colander

    The Spruce Eats / Diana Chistruga

  6. Transfer the hot, drained pasta to a large serving bowl. Top with the tomato sauce, 2 loosely packed cups chopped basil, and 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

  7. Gently toss the pasta so it can soak up the sauce.

    Angel hair pasta tossed with tomato sauce and basil in a large bowl

    The Spruce Eats / Diana Chistruga

  8. Serve immediately and enjoy!

    Angel hair with tomato sauce and basil and sprinkled with Parmesan on a plate

    The Spruce Eats / Diana Chistruga

Feeling Adventurous? Try This:

  • Try spaghetti squash - You can substitute spaghetti squash for the angel hair pasta for a low--carb alternative.
  • Canned or fresh works - The recipe calls for canned tomatoes, but use fresh tomatoes if you have them.
  • Bright flavors - Add 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar to the tomato sauce. The vinegar brightens up the overall flavor of the sauce.
  • Add a pinch of sugar - The sugar reduces the acidity of the tomatoes, so a pinch is a good start while cooking, but depending on the type of tomato you are using you might find that a little more than a pinch makes a real and flavorful difference.
  • Make it herby - Use a blend of dried herbs in the sauce: thyme, sage, oregano, marjoram, parsley, and rosemary are great additions.
  • Make it spicy - Add 1 teaspoon of chopped chili flakes into the tomato mixture for a spicy version of the Pomodoro sauce.
  • Make it meaty - Add 1/4 cup of cooked pancetta, ham, or bacon into the tomato sauce to add some flavor and fat.


Nutrition Facts (per serving)
412 Calories
26g Fat
34g Carbs
13g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Amount per serving
Calories 412
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 26g 33%
Saturated Fat 6g 32%
Cholesterol 22mg 7%
Sodium 711mg 31%
Total Carbohydrate 34g 12%
Dietary Fiber 3g 11%
Total Sugars 3g
Protein 13g
Vitamin C 15mg 74%
Calcium 279mg 21%
Iron 2mg 13%
Potassium 349mg 7%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)