Angel Hair Pasta Recipe
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It doesn’t get easier than this Angel Hair Pasta Recipe! In less than 20 minutes, tender angel hair pasta is tossed with a light sauce of extra virgin olive oil, garlic, fresh basil, and parsley, then finished with freshly grated Parmigiano and sweet cherry tomatoes. It’s a quick Italian pasta dish with fresh flavors and delicate strands coated in a silky garlic and herb sauce.
If you love this recipe, you should try my Shrimp Scampi Pasta or Pasta with Clams.
Quick Look: Angel Hair Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Servings: 6 people
- Dietary Info: Vegetarian
- Method: Stovetop pasta with a light olive oil and garlic sauce
- Technique: Emulsify reserved pasta water with olive oil, then toss with al dente angel hair, fresh herbs, Parmigiano, and tomatoes
- Flavor/Texture: Light, garlicky, herby, savory, fresh
“So simple, classic and satisfying. I’m always on the hunt for fast pasta dinners for my kiddos and this sauce is lovely as-is but also has so much potential! Can’t wait to try some of the suggestions like adding some cream.”
– Martha
Why You’ll Love This Pasta!
This scrumptious pasta dish is made with only a few simple ingredients. It’s one of those easy pasta dishes the whole family will love. The light olive oil sauce, fresh herbs, and pop-in-your-mouth sweet cherry tomatoes are a winning combo!
I am sure it will turn into a new family favorite, one even picky eaters will love. It’s also perfect for an easy dinner on a busy weeknight.
Other pasta dishes you’re going to love are this Tomato Mascarpone Pasta and Tomato Sauce from Tomato Paste.
Made With Amoré,
Table of Contents
Simple Ingredients
Since there are only a few fresh ingredients for this easy recipe, I recommend using high-quality ingredients for the best results.
- Angel Hair Pasta: A very thin pasta that cooks quickly and pairs especially well with light sauces.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Forms the base of the light sauce and brings rich flavor.
- Fresh Garlic: Adds the savory, aromatic flavor that defines the sauce.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Add juicy sweetness and fresh acidity to balance the garlic.
- Fresh Herbs: Basil and parsley add freshness and classic Italian flavor.
See recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Substitutions & Variations
- Swap the Pasta: You can also use spaghetti noodles or another long pasta as well with this dish. Try my Burst Cherry Tomato Pasta Sauce next.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Give this pasta dish heat by adding red pepper flakes when cooking the garlic and oil, or add a bit of my Homemade Italian Seasoning.
- Butter: Melt about a tablespoon of butter while heating the olive oil and garlic to add a little extra flavor.
- Kalamata Olives: These add a delicious and briny flavor to the dish.
How to Make Angel Hair Pasta with Garlic and Herbs
This recipe uses a few classic pasta techniques to create a light sauce that coats every strand. Follow the step-by step photos and see the recipe card at the bottom for a printable version.
- Add the olive oil and garlic to a large heated skillet or pot. Cook for about 1 minute to allow them to release their aroma. Turn off the heat and set the pan aside.
- Cook your pasta in a large pot of salted water until al dente according to package directions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Add the reserved pasta water to the pan with the olive oil and garlic. Turn the heat to medium-low and bring to a gentle simmer. Whisk vigorously until the pasta water and olive oil combine into a smooth, lightly emulsified sauce.
- Add the pasta to the pan and turn off the heat. Stir until the sauce coats the pasta. Add the fresh herbs, tomatoes and parmigiano, then toss a couple of times.
Angel Hair Pasta FAQs
It usually cooks quickly, between 4-5 minutes. It has a short cooking time since it is one of the thinnest pasta varieties, but the timing may vary by brand. For best results, look for a good quality bronze cut pasta made with 100% Italian durum wheat.
Yes. Spaghetti or another long pasta can be used, although the cooking time will be longer. Angel hair is especially well suited to this recipe because its delicate strands pair well with the light olive oil and garlic sauce.
After the pasta cools, store your leftover angel hair in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge. Reheat it in a skillet over medium heat on the stove or in the microwave just long enough to reheat.
Serving Suggestions
This angel hair pasta makes a light main dish or an easy side for a larger Italian meal. Serve it alongside Crispy Breaded Chicken Cutlets, Chicken Piccata, or Crispy Baked Cod with Panko for a heartier meal. For a lighter pairing, serve it with a salad or vegetable like a bowl of greens with Parmesan Vinaigrette, or Italian Stuffed Artichokes.
My Pro Tip
Recipe Tips
- Cook the angel hair al dente. Because angel hair is so thin, it can quickly go from perfectly cooked to soft. Cook it according to the package directions and toss it with the sauce immediately after draining.
- Whisk the sauce well. Vigorously whisking the hot pasta water with the olive oil helps create a smooth, lightly emulsified sauce that coats the delicate angel hair strands.
- Use freshly grated Parmigiano. Freshly grated cheese melts more evenly into the warm pasta than pre-grated varieties.
More Easy Pasta Recipes
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Garlic and Herb Angel Hair Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (add more if you like)
- Kosher salt , for pasta water
- 1 box angel hair pasta , or capellini pasta
- Reserved pasta water
- 3 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- ½ cup freshly grated parmigiano cheese, plus more for serving
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, diced, about 2 ½ cups
- Pepper to taste, optional
Instructions
- Heat a large saucepan or large skillet to medium heat. Add olive oil and garlic. Let them get fragrant for 1 minute in the oil. Turn off the heat and set the pan aside.
- Cook your pasta in a large pot of salted water. Boil pasta until al dente according to package directions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining. Stir pasta with pasta utensil.
- Add reserved pasta water to the pan with olive oil and garlic. Turn heat to medium-low, bring to a simmer, and stir vigorously with a whisk.
- Lastly, drain the pasta and add it to the pan. Turn the heat off and stir until the sauce coats the pasta. Stir in fresh basil leaves and chopped parsley. Add parmigiano and toss a couple of times.
- Sprinkle the cherry tomatoes over the top. Add extra parmigiano cheese and fresh ground black pepper. Serve hot, and enjoy!
Notes
- Cook the angel hair al dente. Because angel hair is so thin, it can quickly go from perfectly cooked to soft. Cook it according to the package directions and toss it with the sauce immediately after draining.
- Whisk the sauce well. Vigorously whisking the hot pasta water with the olive oil helps create a smooth, lightly emulsified sauce that coats the delicate angel hair strands.
- Use freshly grated Parmigiano. Freshly grated cheese melts more evenly into the warm pasta than pre-grated varieties.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Fresh and yummy!
Thank you! Happy you loved it.
So simple, classic and satisfying. Iโm always on the hunt for fast pasta dinners for my kiddos and this sauce is lovely as-is but also has so much potential! Canโt wait to try some of the suggestions like adding some cream.
Hi Martha! Yes, I have many delicious quick pasta dishes. We pasta at least 4 times a week. Try my pink sauce. Enjoy!