Angel Hair Pasta

Name: Angel Hair Pasta
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 3 - 4 serving(s)
Ingredients: Salt, plus more for serving; 2 tbsp. butter; 2 tbsp. olive oil; 1 clove garlic, chopped; 8 oz. angel hair pasta; 3 tbsp. grated parmesan cheese, plus more for serving; 1 tbsp. chopped parsley, plus more for serving; 1 tbsp. chopped basil, plus more for serving; 1 c. grape tomatoes, halved; 1 garlic clove, finely chopped; 1/2 tsp. salt; 1/8 tsp. crushed red chili flakes, optional; 1 tbsp. olive oil; 1 tsp. red wine vinegar

It's ready in 10 minutes!

By Erin MerharUpdated: Jan 3, 2024

3 Ratings

the pioneer woman's angel hair pasta recipe

Will Dickey

Yields:

3 - 4 serving(s)

Prep Time:

5 mins

Total Time:

10 mins

Jump to recipe

Good pasta recipes are the ones that we always revisit in our recipe box. Sure, baked ziti and spaghetti and meatballs are two classic favorites... but, sometimes, it feels nice to lighten things up. That's where a solid angel hair pasta recipe comes in handy. Light in texture and quick cooking, it's great alongside chicken piccata, or double the recipe and top with grilled shrimp for a perfect summer entrée.

What is angel hair pasta good for?

Like a super skinny spaghetti, angel hair pasta is one of the most thin, long pastas that is commonly found in the supermarket. Because it is so delicate in texture, its best when dressed with a simple olive oil, butter or a very light cream sauce, rather than a heavy red sauce or gravy. Angel hair pasta is the best kind of pasta to use to get dinner on the table in a hurry. The noodles cook in just two minutes and this whole dish can be prepared in less than 10 minutes.

What is angel hair pasta called?

Oftentimes, you will find angel hair pasta in the grocery store packaged and labelled as capellini, which means "thin or very small hair" in Italian.

How do you eat angel hair pasta?

Angel hair pasta makes an excellent vegetarian side dish or light summer entrée when topped with a no-cook sauce of marinated tomatoes. In addition to pasta dishes, it makes a great addition to noodle soups. It cooks quickly (in about 2 minutes!) when added to a simmering broth.

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Ingredients

For the Pasta

Salt, plus more for serving
2 Tbsp.
butter
2 Tbsp.
olive oil
1
clove garlic, chopped
8 oz.
angel hair pasta
3 Tbsp.
grated parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
1 Tbsp.
chopped parsley, plus more for serving
1 Tbsp.
chopped basil, plus more for serving

For the Marinated Tomatoes

1 cup
grape tomatoes, halved
1
garlic clove, finely chopped
1/2 tsp.
salt
1/8 tsp.
crushed red chili flakes, optional
1 Tbsp.
olive oil
1 tsp.
red wine vinegar

Directions

1. Step 1 Bring a medium pot full of water to a boil over high heat. Season the water generously with salt.
2. Step 2Heat a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the butter and melt until bubbly and light golden brown. Reduce heat to low, then add the olive oil and garlic. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Remove from the heat and set aside.
3. Step 3Break the pasta in half and add to the boiling water; cook for 2 minutes. Reserve 3/4 cup of the pasta water then drain the pasta. Immediately add the cooked pasta to the skillet and return to the stove over low heat. Add the pasta water and mix well to combine. Add the parmesan , parsley, and basil, and stir gently to combine. Remove from the heat and serve, topped with marinated tomatoes, more fresh herbs and grated parmesan, if desired.
4. Step 4For the marinated tomatoes (optional): Before cooking the pasta, combine the grape tomatoes, garlic, salt, chili flakes, olive oil and red wine vinegar in a bowl. Let rest for 10 minutes.