Delicious Angel Hair Pasta Recipe with Garlic, Herbs & Olive Oil
Angel hair pasta is a light, delicate dish that cooks quickly and pairs beautifully with simple yet flavorful ingredients. This recipe combines tender pasta with garlic, olive oil, herbs, and Parmesan for a comforting meal that feels elegant yet easy to prepare. Whether served as a weeknight dinner or a side dish for special occasions, this pasta offers both taste and texture. Its versatility allows you to pair it with seafood, chicken, or vegetables, making it a recipe worth keeping. With minimal effort, you can enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home.
Ingredients Of Angel Hair Pasta Recipe
Why You Will Love This Angel Hair Pasta Recipe
This angel hair pasta recipe is quick, flavorful, and versatile. Its delicate texture pairs perfectly with garlic and olive oil, creating a satisfying meal in under 20 minutes. With a light yet rich taste, it works as both a main dish and a side. The fresh herbs and Parmesan add brightness and depth, while optional lemon zest brings a refreshing finish.
Preparation Process Of Angel Hair Pasta Recipe
Start by boiling salted water and cooking the angel hair pasta until al dente. While the pasta cooks, gently sauté garlic in olive oil to release its aroma. Once the pasta is drained, toss it in the garlic oil with fresh herbs and Parmesan. Season with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for subtle heat. Finish with lemon zest for brightness.
Step By Step Instructions
Boil Pasta
Cook angel hair pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, about 3 to 4 minutes; drain well and reserve 1 cup of pasta water to adjust sauce consistency.
Sauté Garlic
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, add minced garlic and cook gently until fragrant without browning; lower heat or remove briefly to prevent a bitter taste.
Combine Pasta & Oil
Toss drained pasta into the skillet with garlic oil, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce so the oil and garlic cling to each delicate strand for even coating.
Add Seasonings
Season the pasta with salt, black pepper, chopped parsley, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired; toss and taste, adjusting seasoning until balanced and flavorful.
Serve
Plate the pasta, top with grated Parmesan and lemon zest if desired; drizzle olive oil and serve immediately to preserve texture and enhance the flavors at the table, and serve hot.
How to Serve?
- Serve warm with extra Parmesan on top
- Pair with grilled chicken or shrimp
- Enjoy as a side dish with steak or fish
- Add a green salad and garlic bread for a full meal
Tips & Variations
Use whole wheat pasta for a healthier version.
Add sautéed spinach or zucchini for more veggies.
Use butter along with olive oil for richness.
Stir in shrimp or chicken for added protein.
Top with cherry tomatoes for a fresh burst of flavor.
Add a splash of white wine for extra depth.
Nutrition
- Calories: 340
- Protein: 10g
- Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 380mg
Recipe Card
Angel Hair Pasta Recipe
Course: Pasta Recipe4 people
servings10
minutes10
minutes340
kcalAngel hair pasta is a light and delicate dish that’s perfect for quick meals yet full of flavor. The thin strands of pasta cook in just minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy days. Tossed with olive oil, garlic, and fresh herbs, it creates a simple but elegant meal that feels both comforting and refined. You can easily add vegetables, shrimp, or chicken to customize it to your taste. Its versatility makes it suitable for family dinners, romantic evenings, or casual gatherings. This recipe delivers a satisfying balance of taste and texture without being heavy or overwhelming.
Ingredients
Angel hair pasta
Olive oil
Garlic cloves
Fresh parsley
Parmesan cheese
Salt
Black pepper
Red pepper flakes (optional)
Lemon zest (optional)
Directions
- Boil Pasta
- Cook angel hair pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, about 3 to 4 minutes; drain well and reserve 1 cup of pasta water to adjust sauce consistency.
- Sauté Garlic
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, add minced garlic and cook gently until fragrant without browning; lower heat or remove briefly to prevent a bitter taste.
- Combine Pasta & Oil
- Toss drained pasta into the skillet with garlic oil, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce so the oil and garlic cling to each delicate strand for even coating.
- Add Seasonings
- Season the pasta with salt, black pepper, chopped parsley, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired; toss and taste, adjusting seasoning until balanced and flavorful.
- Serve
- Plate the pasta, top with grated Parmesan and lemon zest if desired; drizzle olive oil and serve immediately to preserve texture and enhance the flavors at the table, and serve hot.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Do not overcook angel hair pasta, as it softens quickly.
- Reserve a little pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency.
- Fresh parsley and lemon zest brighten the dish. Parmesan should be freshly grated for best flavor.
FAQs
Conclusion
Angel hair pasta is a quick, delicious, and versatile recipe that suits both casual meals and special dinners. Its delicate texture absorbs the flavors of garlic, olive oil, and Parmesan, making it both light and satisfying. With simple ingredients and minimal cooking time, it’s perfect for busy nights yet elegant enough for entertaining.
