Easy Angel Hair Pasta Recipe
Updated Jul 24, 2025, Published Jan 10, 2023
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It doesn’t get easier than this Angel Hair Pasta Recipe! In just 20 minutes, this Italian pasta recipe cooks up for a fresh, satisfying, and delicate meal. It is made with a light sauce of olive oil, garlic, fresh basil, and parsley, then topped with fresh Parmigiano and sweet cherry tomatoes. It’s sure to be your new go-to pasta dish.
Try this shrimp scampi pasta recipe next!
“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 gemelli pasta recipe, tomato sauce from tomato paste, and this fried spaghetti pasta recipe.
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. Also known as Capellini or Cappelli D’Angelo, which translates to little hairs of an angel in Italian, these long strands of thin pasta are the thinnest pasta you can find. You can find this type of pasta at any grocery store in the pasta aisle, but I recommend choosing a quality brand of pasta rather than the most inexpensive.
- Tomatoes. Any variety of cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes will do. Whatever kind is ripe and sweet since the tomatoes are added raw after the pasta is cooked.
- Fresh Garlic. In Italian cooking, a little garlic goes a long way, just enough to give flavor but not overpower the dish. I prefer to use fresh over jarred varieties or garlic powder.
- Olive Oil. High-quality extra virgin olive oil brings the best Italian flavor and health benefits. It really makes a difference in a simple dish like this one.
- Fresh Herbs. I use fresh Italian parsley and fresh basil. Use can use a mixture of parsley and basil or just one.
- Freshly Grated Parmigiano. A little spoonful of freshly grated Parmesan cheese on each plate before serving.
See the recipe card for quantities.
Substitutions and Variations
The first time you make this recipe, make it the traditional way. You can try a variation the next time you make it and another one the next time around!
- 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.
- Lemon Juice: Add a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving for a fresh spin.
- 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.
- Heavy Cream: Turn this light sauce into a creamy pasta dish by adding a half cup of heavy cream, making the sauce a bit creamier. You’ll love my Creamy Nduja Pasta Sauce.
- Kalamata Olives: These add a delicious and briny flavor to the dish.
How to Make Angel Hair Pasta with Garlic and Herbs
You will have a delicious fresh pasta meal in a few easy steps. Enjoy!
- 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. Drain the pasta and reserve 1 cup of pasta water. before draining.
- Add the reserved pasta water to the pan with olive oil and garlic. Turn the heat to medium-low, bring to a simmer, and stir vigorously with a whisk.
- Add the pasta to the pan and turn off the heat. Stir until the sauce coats the pasta. Add the fresh herbs and parmigiano, then toss a couple of times.
- Sprinkle the cherry tomatoes over the top. Serve hot and top with extra parmigiano cheese and fresh ground black pepper. Enjoy as a side with dishes like breaded chicken cutlets or baked cod with panko.
My Pro Tip
Recipe Tips
- Al dente pasta. Cook your pasta al dente and toss it in the pan with the sauce. Cooking pasta correctly makes it taste like the pasta we eat in Italy!
- Use a large pan. Like, in my Italian sausage and peppers recipe, a pan that’s large and deep allow you space to stir the al dente pasta in after it is cooked to marry with the sauce.
- Whisk well. Don’t skip the vigorous whisking of the olive oil and hot pasta water as it simmers. This will make a smoother sauce to coat the thin pasta strands.
- Choosing the cheese. Use REAL Parmigiano Reggiano cheese for the sauce to make it creamy and grate it from the block. Other kinds will clump and not melt well with the pasta and sauce.
- Store: 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.
Recipe FAQ’s
Since this type of pasta is very delicate so you don’t want to weigh it down with a sauce that is too chunky. I love this light garlic and herb sauce for that reason. You can also use basil pesto, an authentic Italian tomato sauce, pink sauce, and black truffle cream sauce to make a delicious angel hair pasta dish.
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.
Serving Suggestions
This easy pasta recipe is delicious with a slice of warm ciabatta bread. It’s also great with meat dishes like prime rib roast or salmon piccata.
Pair it with a salad or simple vegetable like a bowl of greens with Parmesan vinaigrette, or Italian stuffed artichokes.
Add to a meal for a dinner party with a starter like Nduja ricotta toast and fresh peach pie for dessert.
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
- Al dente pasta: Always cook pasta al dente, then toss it in the sauce directly in the pan. This brings out the authentic Italian flavor and texture.
- Whisk well: Whisk the olive oil and hot pasta water vigorously as it simmers to create a smooth, silky sauce that clings to every strand.
- Choose the right cheese: Always use real Parmigiano Reggiano, freshly grated. It melts beautifully into the sauce without clumping.
- Store properly: Let leftovers cool, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.
- Change it up: This dish is great on its own but you can also add some lemon juice, red chili flakes, for a bit of heat, or make it creamy with a half cup of heavy cream.
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!