Fitness / July 1, 2023

Delicious Angel Hair Pasta

Make this easy and delicious Angel Hair Pasta recipe and soon you’ll be twirling your fork around those thin, tender pasta strands loaded with yummy garlic, a hint of spicy dried chili, and all those tasty herbs. And let’s not forget that sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top!

Table of Contents

On those crazy long days when you’re just so done and you’re craving something super yummy and comforting, just turn to this angel hair pasta recipe. It’s the perfect combo of taste and simplicity. Doesn’t matter whether you’re a bona fide chef or you occasionally need help even locating your kitchen, you’re gonna love how this dish brings out those classic Italian vibes.

So whether you’re all about Italian cuisine or just wanna surprise your squad with an amazing homemade meal, grab your apron and get in the kitchen (once you find it, that is). That plate of Angel Hair Pasta, packed with drool-worthy flavors and textures, is waiting for you— and it’s just a few easy steps away.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

Those ultra-smooth pasta strands are like a dream, getting all cozy with a super tasty sauce that has all the goods: garlicky goodness, a lil’ chili zing, and that earthy oregano kick.
Angel hair pasta is the skinniest, most delicate pasta ever, and it cooks super fast, usually in just a few minutes.
You can totally make this recipe your own! Just swap your favorite veggies, throw in some extra protein, or even play around with different cheeses.

Is Angel Hair Pasta Healthy?

Angel hair is made from semolina flour, which is all about those carbs, protein, and dietary fiber.
The recipe calls for paleo ingredients only (besides the pasta, I suppose), so no preservatives, no additives, nothing processed. That’s gotta make you feel good regardless of whether you’re on a paleo diet or not.
Olive oil contains lot of good fats and works to combat the bad cholesterol inside you.
Garlic has so many benefits for your immune system.

INGREDIENTS

A list of healthy ingredients awaits you. Put them together and, in no time, you’ll be devouring some angel hair (pasta)!

4 oz. angel hair pasta
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
2 cloves garlic, sliced
1 dried chili, chopped
½ tsp dried oregano
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
pinch of salt and pepper
grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish

INSTRUCTIONS

Boil

Boil the angel hair pasta in salted water, according to the package instructions (typically 4-5 minutes). Reserve 2 tablespoons of the cooking water.

Cook

In a large pan, heat the extra virgin olive oil on MEDIUM-HIGH. Cook the garlic slices for 2 minutes until fragrant, but not browned. Add the chili and the cooking water to the pan.

Toss

Drain the cooked pasta. Toss it with the sauce in the pan. Stir in the dried oregano and chopped parsley. Season with salt and pepper.

Top

Transfer the pasta to plates and sprinkle with some grated Parmesan if desired.

DEVOUR!

Tips and Tricks

Size Matters: Go for a big pot with lots of water when cooking pasta. This way, your pasta won’t get all clingy with each other. It also minimizes the period after you add the pasta when the water ceases to boil.

Salty Secrets: Add salt to the water while it’s boiling before you put the pasta in, not after. This helps the flavor, trust me.

Sauce It Up: Once your pasta is cooked, drain it and toss it with the sauce right away. It’ll soak up all those yummy flavors so much better when it’s hot.

Variations

Add some green goodness with a bright pesto sauce made from basil leaves, pine nuts, Parmesan, garlic, and olive oil. Super fresh and yummy!
Feeling indulgent? Try a creamy carbonara sauce! Just toss your cooked angel hair with a mix of eggs, pancetta, Parmesan, and a little black pepper.
Get a little taste of the sea with a garlic shrimp sauce. Just cook up some shrimp with garlic, butter, and white wine, and you’ve got yourself a delicious combo to toss with your angel hair pasta.
Go for a tangy twist with a sun-dried tomato Alfredo sauce. Mix in sun-dried tomatoes, heavy cream, garlic, and Parmesan for a rich and zesty sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Slow-Cooker Italian Chicken: Yes, this recipe includes its own pasta, but if you’d prefer this angel hair pasta instead, just focus on the chicken and its mix of veggies, broth, and Italian seasoning.

Easy Paleo Italian Meatballs: If you use this angel hair pasta, it won’t be paleo but I still recommend pairing it with these Italian meatballs — made in the Instant Pot!

Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers: Serve these stuffed peppers as your entrée and pair them with a small helping of the angel hair pasta.

FAQs

My Angel hair pasta is sticking together. What did I do wrong?

A tip for cooking pasta is to use a big pot filled with lots of water. Keep stirring the pasta to prevent it from clumping together, and make sure not to overcook it. After draining your pasta, mix it up with the sauce right away to avoid any stickiness.

Can I use this pasta for a cold dish?

Yep! Just rinse your cooked pasta with cold water, toss in some olive oil, and mix it into your salad with a lemon dressing once it’s chilled.

What is the difference between angel hair and regular pasta?

If you’re curious, angel hair pasta, also known as capellini, is a super thin and delicate pasta similar to spaghetti, just finer. It needs less time to cook and goes really well with lighter sauces.

Can I add vegetables or protein to this dish?

Of course! Add whatever veggies you like, such as cherry tomatoes, zucchini, or bell peppers. For some extra protein, toss in some cooked shrimp, chicken, or even tofu for a veggie twist. The possibilities really are endless, so you can make this dish perfectly suited to your tastes and dietary needs.

Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?

There is! Just choose a gluten-free angel hair pasta from the store, made with ingredients like rice, corn, or quinoa flour.

Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried ones?

Fresh herbs can be a game-changer for extra flavor or to suit your taste buds. If you want to use fresh oregano instead of dried, the ratio is 1:3—for every teaspoon of dried oregano, use one tablespoon of fresh oregano, finely chopped.

How to Store Angel hair pasta

Storing Leftover Pasta: Let the pasta cool down, then box it up to prevent drying. Put this in the fridge and eat within 3 days to enjoy a tasty second round.

Reheating the Pasta: Be delicate when reheating. Use LOW heat on the stovetop, add a splash of olive oil and water. If you prefer microwaving, cover with a moist paper towel. Heat on MEDIUM and stir occasionally for even sauce absorption.

Freezing Angel Hair Pasta? I really don’t recommend freezing. Freezing may clump the fine strands, losing the texture. I would rather freeze sauce separately and cook fresh pasta when you fancy the dish again.