Angel Hair Pasta Recipe: Quick Garlic Herb Delight

Why This Angel Hair Pasta Recipe Works

Looking for a quick, satisfying dinner? This Angel Hair Pasta recipe with garlic, fresh herbs, and Parmesan is your perfect solution for delicious, stress-free weeknights. It’s a simple, elegant dish that proves great flavor doesn’t require hours in the kitchen.

Here’s why this pasta will become a favorite:

Budget-Conscious: Affordable, readily available ingredients make this a great option for “cheap dinner ideas” or “pasta on a budget.”

Lightning Fast: Ready in just 15-20 minutes, ideal for busy weeknights.

Minimal Ingredients, Maximum Flavor: Simple pantry staples – angel hair pasta, garlic, fresh herbs, and Parmesan – combine for a rich, satisfying, and flavorful meal.

Highly Adaptable: Easily customize with your favorite proteins like shrimp or chicken, or add veggies like spinach or cherry tomatoes.

Family-Friendly: A universally loved dish that appeals to all ages, making it a top choice for “kid-friendly pasta” and “family dinner recipes.”

Ingredients

For this delightful Angel Hair Pasta, you’ll need these simple ingredients:

• Pasta: 1 pound angel hair pasta (or capellini) – Opt for a high-quality brand for the best texture and cooking experience. For more on different pasta shapes, explore our guide to noodle types and varieties.
• Olive Oil: 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil – This forms the aromatic base of our sauce, so a good quality oil makes a difference.
• Garlic: 6-8 cloves garlic, thinly sliced – Fresh garlic is essential here; it provides the core aromatic flavor. Adjust quantity to your preference!
• Red Pepper Flakes: 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or to taste) – Adds a subtle warmth and a tiny kick that complements the garlic.
• Broth: 1/2 cup vegetable or chicken broth (low sodium recommended) – This liquid helps create a light, flavorful sauce that coats the pasta beautifully.
• Fresh Herbs: 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley, plus 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil – These fresh herbs bring vibrant color and a burst of fresh flavor that truly elevates the dish. Don’t substitute with dried if possible!
• Parmesan Cheese: 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving – Authentic Parmigiano-Reggiano will give you the best nutty, salty flavor and melt beautifully into the sauce.
• Lemon: 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice – A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end brightens all the flavors and adds a zesty finish.
• Butter: 2 tablespoons unsalted butter – Incorporated at the end, butter adds a luxurious richness and helps the sauce cling to the delicate angel hair.
• Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper: To taste – Crucial for seasoning the pasta water and the final dish to perfection.

Equipment

To make this Angel Hair Pasta, you’ll need a few common kitchen items:

• Large Pot: For boiling the pasta. Ensure it’s big enough to allow the angel hair to cook evenly without clumping.
• Large Skillet or Dutch Oven: Ideal for preparing the garlic and herb sauce. A wide surface area helps the flavors develop.
• Colander: For draining the pasta efficiently.
• Tongs: Essential for tossing the pasta with the sauce, ensuring every strand is perfectly coated.
• Garlic Slicer (Optional): While not strictly necessary, a garlic slicer can make quick work of thinly slicing your garlic cloves.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps for perfect Angel Hair Pasta every time:

1. Boil Pasta: Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add the angel hair pasta and cook according to package directions, usually 2-4 minutes, or until al dente. Angel hair cooks incredibly quickly due to its delicate strands, so stay vigilant to prevent overcooking!
2. Sauté Aromatics: While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in your large skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for just 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the garlic is fragrant and lightly golden. Be extremely careful not to burn the garlic, as burnt garlic can taste bitter.
3. Deglaze: Carefully pour in the vegetable or chicken broth into the skillet. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, using a wooden spoon or spatula to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. These bits are packed with flavor and will add depth to your sauce.
4. Combine & Finish Sauce: Drain the cooked angel hair pasta immediately, reserving about 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta cooking water. Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet with the garlic broth mixture. Add the unsalted butter, chopped fresh parsley, chopped fresh basil, grated Parmesan cheese, and fresh lemon juice.
5. Toss & Adjust: Using tongs, toss the pasta vigorously with the sauce until it is well coated and the cheese and butter have melted, creating a beautiful, creamy sauce that clings to the noodles. If the sauce appears too dry or thick, gradually add a splash of the reserved pasta cooking water until it reaches your desired consistency.
6. Season & Serve: Taste the pasta and season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve immediately in warm bowls, topped with extra grated Parmesan cheese and a fresh sprig of basil, if desired. Enjoy your quick and delicious meal!

Recipe Notes

• Don’t Overcook Angel Hair: This is the most crucial tip! Angel hair pasta is very delicate and can go from al dente to mushy in mere seconds. Set a timer and taste a strand just before the recommended cooking time.
• Reserved Pasta Water is Gold: That starchy liquid you reserved is your secret weapon! It helps emulsify the sauce, creating a silky texture that perfectly clings to the delicate noodles. Don’t skip this step!
• Spice It Up: For those who enjoy more heat, feel free to increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper to the sautéing garlic.
• Add Protein: This recipe is incredibly versatile. For a more substantial meal, consider adding:
  • Sautéed shrimp (add during the last minute of garlic sautéing).
  • Grilled or shredded chicken (stir in at the end).
  • Cannellini beans or chickpeas for a plant-based protein boost. (These additions target long-tail keywords like “shrimp angel hair pasta” or “chicken angel hair pasta recipe”).
• Make it Vegan/Dairy-Free: Easily adapt this recipe by skipping the butter and Parmesan. Instead, use a high-quality dairy-free Parmesan alternative or nutritional yeast for a cheesy, savory flavor. (Targets “vegan angel hair pasta,” “dairy free pasta recipes”).
• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, gently warm on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of vegetable broth or water to loosen the sauce and bring it back to life.
• Craving More Pasta? If you loved this quick angel hair dish, be sure to explore some of our other popular pasta recipes: try our comforting Fettuccine Alfredo, learn how to make Homemade Pappardelle, or whip up our classic Easy Spaghetti Recipe.

Serving Suggestions

This versatile Angel Hair Pasta pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes to complete your meal:

• A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette. The freshness cuts through the richness of the pasta.
• Warm, crusty garlic bread or bruschetta to soak up any leftover sauce.
• A side of roasted asparagus, steamed broccoli, or sautéed spinach for added vegetables and nutrients.

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Nutrition Information

(Approximate values per serving, based on 4 servings. These are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	~450 kcal
Fat	~20 g
Carbohydrates	~50 g
Protein	~15 g
Fiber	~3 g

Nutrition Breakdown (Bar Chart)

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