Looking for a light yet satisfying dish that feels like a gourmet meal without the extra calories? This Healthy Shrimp Capellini Pasta with Tomatoes and Fresh Basil is exactly what you need. It’s packed with fresh flavors, loaded with protein, and low in carbs—a perfect recipe for anyone who loves Italian cuisine but wants to stay on track with their fitness goals.
In this post, I’ll guide you step by step to create this mouthwatering dish that is as quick as it is delicious. We’ll sauté succulent shrimp with cherry tomatoes, garlic, and herbs, toss them in a delicate touch of marinara, and serve it all over tender capellini pasta with a sprinkle of fresh basil and parmesan cheese on top. Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: It takes just 25 minutes from start to finish.
- Healthy: Low in calories and packed with protein, it’s a guilt-free indulgence.
- Fresh Flavors: Lemon, basil, and garlic make every bite burst with flavor.
- Customizable: Easily adjust to fit gluten-free or low-carb diets.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
Before you start cooking, have everything ready to go. Rinse and pat dry the shrimp, halve your cherry tomatoes, mince the garlic, and zest and juice the lemon.
Step 2: Cook the Capellini
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the capellini and cook according to package instructions (usually 2–4 minutes for al dente).
- Drain, toss with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking, and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Shrimp
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 1–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
- Add the cherry tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 3–4 minutes until the tomatoes soften and release their juices.
- Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and marinara sauce. Let the mixture simmer for 2 minutes.
Step 5: Combine and Garnish
Garnish with parmesan, fresh basil and an extra squeeze of lemon, if desired.
Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Let it warm through for 1 minute.
Serve the shrimp and tomato mixture over a bed of capellini.
Health Benefits Shrimp Pasta
This recipe isn’t just delicious—it’s packed with nutritional benefits that make it a smart choice for a balanced diet. Here’s what makes this dish a health powerhouse:
1. High-Quality Protein
Shrimp is a lean source of protein, essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall cellular function. With 23g of protein per serving, this dish helps you stay full and energized without unnecessary calories or fat.
2. Low in Calories, Big on Flavor
At just 295 calories per serving, this dish is perfect for anyone managing their calorie intake. Using minimal oil and a light marinara sauce keeps the dish flavorful but healthy.
3. Heart-Healthy Ingredients
- Shrimp: Contains omega-3 fatty acids that support heart health by reducing inflammation and improving cholesterol levels.
- Garlic: Known to help lower blood pressure and cholesterol, garlic is a natural powerhouse.
- Olive Oil: Rich in monounsaturated fats, olive oil supports heart health and reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
4. Packed with Antioxidants
- Tomatoes: Loaded with lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that helps combat free radicals and supports skin and heart health. Cooking tomatoes enhances lycopene availability, making this dish both tasty and good for you.
- Basil: Fresh basil not only adds flavor but is also rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.
5. Digestive Support
The light lemon juice and zest not only add a bright flavor but also aid digestion and help detoxify your body. Additionally, the fiber in the whole wheat or gluten-free capellini helps keep your digestive system happy and healthy.
6. Low in Saturated Fat
This dish uses just a small amount of olive oil for sautéing, keeping the saturated fat content low while delivering essential healthy fats for optimal body function.
7. Vitamin and Mineral Boost
- Shrimp: High in selenium, a mineral that plays a critical role in maintaining a healthy immune system and thyroid function.
- Lemon: A good source of vitamin C, which boosts immunity and supports glowing skin.
- Tomatoes: Provide potassium and vitamin C, supporting hydration and overall health.
8. Supports Weight Management
Thanks to its high protein content and moderate portion of complex carbs, this recipe keeps you full longer, curbing unnecessary snacking.
Shrimp Capellini Pasta with Tomatoes and Fresh Basil
Equipment
- 1 Large Skillet
- 1 Pot
Ingredients
For the Shrimp and Sauce
- 1 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup marinara sauce (look for a low-sodium, no-sugar-added option)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- grated parmesan (optional for added flavor)
For the Capellini Pasta
- 8 oz capellini (angel hair) pasta (use whole wheat or gluten-free if preferred)
- 1 tsp salt (for the pasta water)
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
- Before you start cooking, have everything ready to go. Rinse and pat dry the shrimp, halve your cherry tomatoes, mince the garlic, and zest and juice the lemon.
Step 2: Cook the Capellini
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.Add the capellini and cook according to package instructions (usually 2–4 minutes for al dente).Drain, toss with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking, and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Shrimp
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.Add the shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 1–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, just until fragrant.Add the cherry tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 3–4 minutes until the tomatoes soften and release their juices.Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and marinara sauce. Let the mixture simmer for 2 minutes.
Step 5: Combine and Garnish
- Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Let it warm through for 1 minute.Serve the shrimp and tomato mixture over a bed of capellini.Garnish with fresh basil and an extra squeeze of lemon, if desired.
Notes
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 295
- Protein: 23g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fat: 9g
- Fiber: 4g
Tips for Success
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh shrimp, ripe tomatoes, and fragrant basil make all the difference.
- Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: They cook quickly, so watch closely to keep them tender and juicy.
- Experiment with Pasta: Swap out capellini for zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for a low-carb version.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this dish with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal. A glass of sparkling water with lemon complements the bright flavors perfectly!
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely! Just thaw them overnight in the fridge or under cold running water before cooking.
What can I use instead of marinara?
If you prefer a lighter sauce, skip the marinara and double the lemon juice for a lemon-garlic butter sauce.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water or broth.
I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do! If you try it, leave a comment below and let me know how it turned out—or share a photo on Instagram and tag me. I can’t wait to see your creations.
Happy cooking! 🌿
