Angel Hair Pasta Recipe – Light, Elegant & Full of Flavor
Angel hair pasta is the perfect choice when you’re craving something quick, delicate, and satisfying. Its thin strands cook in minutes and pair beautifully with light sauces, seafood, or fresh veggies. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a fancy dinner, this pasta dish brings elegance with ease.
Ingredients List
- 8 oz angel hair pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Juice of ½ lemon
- Optional: Cooked shrimp or grilled chicken
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add angel hair pasta and cook for 3-4 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Add cherry tomatoes and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
Step 4: Toss in the cooked pasta. Mix gently to coat the noodles in the garlic-tomato oil.
Step 5: Stir in Parmesan, lemon juice, and fresh parsley. Add cooked shrimp or chicken if desired.
Step 6: Serve warm with extra cheese and herbs on top.
Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings
- Makes 2–3 servings
Nutritional Information (Per Serving Approx.)
- Calories: 360
- Carbs: 45g
- Protein: 10g
- Fat: 15g
Storage Instructions
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheat with a splash of olive oil or water to loosen the noodles.
- Not recommended for freezing due to the delicate nature of angel hair pasta.
Pairings & Suggestions
- Serve with a crisp green salad and garlic bread.
- Perfect with white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.
- For extra protein, top with grilled salmon or roasted vegetables.
Seasonal Relevance
This light pasta dish is perfect for spring and summer meals, when you want something fresh, flavorful, and easy to digest.
Angel Hair Pasta Recipe – Light, Elegant & Full of Flavor
2–3
servings10
minutes10
minutes360
kcalWhip up this light and flavorful Angel Hair Pasta Recipe in just 20 minutes! Perfect for busy weeknights or elegant dinners, it features garlic, cherry tomatoes, Parmesan, and fresh herbs tossed with delicate pasta strands. Add shrimp or grilled chicken for extra protein. A simple, satisfying meal that’s bursting with fresh flavor and Italian charm.
Ingredients
8 oz angel hair pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Juice of ½ lemon
Optional: Cooked shrimp or grilled chicken
Directions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add angel hair pasta and cook for 3-4 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add cherry tomatoes and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
- Toss in the cooked pasta. Mix gently to coat the noodles in the garlic-tomato oil.
- Stir in Parmesan, lemon juice, and fresh parsley. Add cooked shrimp or chicken if desired.
- Serve warm with extra cheese and herbs on top.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Angel Hair Pasta is a classic Italian dish known for its thin, delicate noodles and quick cooking time. It pairs beautifully with light sauces, fresh vegetables, or seafood, making it a versatile option for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Its elegance lies in its simplicity—flavorful, fast, and always satisfying.
FAQs
Q1: Can I use whole wheat angel hair pasta?
Yes, it’s a great healthier alternative. Just adjust cook time as needed.
Q2: How do I prevent angel hair from sticking together?
Use plenty of boiling water, stir occasionally, and drizzle with a bit of oil after draining.
Q3: Can I make this dish vegan?
Absolutely—just skip the cheese or use plant-based Parmesan, and ensure your pasta has no eggs.
Conclusion
Angel hair pasta is proof that simple can be stunning. With minimal ingredients and maximum flavor, this dish is a staple you’ll come back to again and again. Perfect for weeknights or special occasions—elegance has never been so effortless.
