Delicious and Easy Homemade Angel Hair Pasta Recipe

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces of angel hair pasta
  • 1 tablespoon of olive oil
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14.5 ounces) of diced tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup of fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon of salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
  • 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese

Steps and instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the angel hair pasta and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, or until al dente. Drain.
  2. While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  3. Stir in the diced tomatoes, and cook until heated through, about 2 minutes.
  4. Add the cooked and drained pasta to the skillet. Toss the pasta in the tomato and garlic mixture until evenly coated.
  5. Stir in the chopped basil, salt, and black pepper. Cook for an additional 2 minutes.
  6. Remove the skillet from the heat, and sprinkle the pasta with the grated Parmesan cheese. Toss again until the cheese is melted and evenly distributed.
  7. Serve the angel hair pasta hot. Enjoy!

Tools for making

  • Large pot - for boiling the pasta
  • Skillet - for cooking the garlic and tomato mixture
  • Strainer - to drain the cooked angel hair pasta
  • Grater - for grating the Parmesan cheese
  • Spatula - for tossing and mixing the pasta
  • Kitchen knife - for mincing the garlic and chopping the basil leaves
  • Cutting board - to safely chop the basil leaves

Recipe variations

  • Add cooked shrimp or chicken for a protein-packed version.
  • Replace the diced tomatoes with a jar of your favorite marinara sauce for a saucier consistency.
  • Sprinkle red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
  • Add sautéed bell peppers and onions for added flavor and texture.
  • Top with fresh mozzarella cheese and broil until melted and bubbly.
  • Swap the basil for fresh parsley or cilantro for a different herb flavor.
  • Mix in some sliced olives or sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean twist.
  • For a creamy variation, stir in a couple of tablespoons of cream or half-and-half.
  • Add a handful of baby spinach or arugula for some extra greens.
  • Replace the Parmesan cheese with crumbled feta or grated Pecorino Romano.

Recipe overview

This delightful Angel Hair Pasta recipe brings together the lightness of angel hair pasta with the robust flavors of garlic, tomatoes, and fresh basil. Topped with a sprinkle of rich Parmesan cheese, this dish is the perfect combination of simple ingredients and exquisite taste. The process is easy to follow, making it an ideal choice for weeknight dinners or a quick meal. With just a few steps, you'll have a deliciously satisfying pasta dish that not only fills you up but also warms the soul. Expect to smell the mouthwatering aroma of garlic and basil as it wafts through your kitchen, making this meal a sensory delight. Enjoy this quick yet incredible pasta experience.

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different type of pasta instead of angel hair? Yes, you can substitute angel hair pasta with other types of pasta like spaghetti or linguine. Just keep in mind that the cooking time may vary.
  2. Can I use dried basil instead of fresh basil? Yes, you can use dried basil instead of fresh basil. However, the flavor may be slightly different. Use about 1 teaspoon of dried basil in place of 1/2 cup of fresh basil.
  3. Can I add meat or vegetables to this recipe? Absolutely! You can customize this recipe by adding cooked chicken, shrimp, or vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers. Just make sure to cook the meat or vegetables separately before adding them to the pasta.
  4. How can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan? To make this recipe vegetarian, simply omit the Parmesan cheese or use a vegetarian-friendly alternative. To make it vegan, use a vegan pasta option and substitute the Parmesan cheese with a vegan cheese or nutritional yeast.
  5. Can I make this recipe ahead of time? While this dish is best served fresh, you can make it ahead of time and reheat it later. Keep in mind that the pasta may absorb some of the sauce, so you may need to add a little extra sauce or olive oil when reheating.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Large pot - Needed to boil the angel hair pasta
  • Skillet - Used to cook the garlic and tomato mixture
  • Colander - Essential for draining the cooked pasta
  • Serving spoon - Used to toss the pasta in the tomato and garlic mixture
  • Grater - Required to grate the Parmesan cheese
  • Kitchen tongs - Useful for serving the hot angel hair pasta
  • Plate or bowl - Needed to serve the finished dish

Origin stories

Angel hair pasta, also known as 'capellini', is a thin variety of Italian pasta. Like spaghetti, it is rod-shaped, in the form of long strands, but is thinner in diameter. The Italian word 'capellini' means 'thin hair'. The pasta has been part of Italian cuisine since at least the 14th century, as it appears in the famed cookbook, Libro de arte coquinaria, by Maestro Martino da Como, a northern Italian cook considered the western world's first celebrity chef. The simplicity of angel hair pasta embodies the heart of Italian cooking, where just a few quality ingredients can create a memorable dish. Just as Italian art celebrates detail, so does its cuisine. The delicate strands of angel hair pasta provide a refined canvas for the play of ingredients and flavors - truly a case of culinary minimalism evoking maximum enjoyment.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.