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Home » Pasta » Angel Hair Pasta with Garlic and Herbs

Published: January 29, 2020 Last Modified: January 29, 2020 By Sara 20 Comments

Angel Hair Pasta with Garlic and Herbs

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Garlic and Herb Angel Hair Pasta #pasta #garlic #sidedish #dinner #dinneratthezoo

This angel hair pasta recipe is tender noodles coated in garlic, fresh herbs, olive oil, butter and parmesan cheese. Add a fresh tomato topping for a memorable side dish or lighter main course option!

When I’m looking for a hearty side dish to serve alongside meat and vegetables, I turn to homemade Rice-A-Roni, baked mac and cheese, or this simple yet totally satisfying angel hair pasta.

Garlic and Herb Angel Hair Pasta #pasta #garlic #sidedish #dinner #dinneratthezoo Garlic and Herb Angel Hair Pasta #pasta #garlic #sidedish #dinner #dinneratthezoo

Garlic and herb angel hair pasta topped with fresh tomatoes.

Pasta is typically a quick dish to make, especially angel hair pasta. It has the fastest cooking time of almost every other pasta, and it’s delicious too! This light and delicious pasta is coated in a savory garlic and herb sauce, and goes well with chicken, beef and seafood entrees.

What is angel hair pasta used for?

Angel hair pasta, also known as capellini, is a thin, fine pasta with long strands. It’s best used for delicate sauces such as light tomato or cream sauces. It’s often served in simple preparations, and can be substituted for spaghetti in some dishes. I typically serve this pasta as a side dish to complement a heartier main course.

How do you make angel hair pasta with garlic and herbs?

For this recipe, melt butter in a pan along with some olive oil. Cook your pasta according to package directions. Add some garlic to the olive oil mixture, along with an assortment of fresh herbs. Place the cooked pasta in the pan of sauce, then toss to coat. Add some parmesan cheese to the mixture, then top with diced tomatoes and serve.

Melted butter with garlic and olive oil in a pan.

Tips for the perfect pasta

  • Take care not to overcook your pasta! It’s really easy to cook it for too long, and you’ll end up with a mushy texture.
  • You can use any fresh herbs you like in this dish. Some of my favorites include parsley, dill, basil, chives or thyme. I find that this dish tastes best with a combination of herb varieties.
  • No fresh herbs on hand? Add 1 teaspoon of dried Italian seasoning instead.
  • I recommend serving this dish immediately. Any leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can reheat leftovers in the microwave.
  • Freshly grated parmesan cheese tastes best in this recipe. The tubs of pre-grated cheese often contain stabilizers and anti caking agents and they don’t taste as good or melt as well.
  • You can make this dish vegan by using 1/4 cup olive oil instead of a mix of oil and butter, and omit the cheese.

Pasta in a pan with garlic and butter.

Angel hair pasta variations

This recipe is delicious as-is, but you can add other ingredients to customize it to your tastes.

  • Protein: Add some protein to make it a main course such as grilled chicken, sauteed shrimp, sliced flank steak or stir in some white beans.
  • Flavorings: You can stir in some kalamata olives, sun dried tomatoes, pine nuts or cooked crumbled bacon.
  • Vegetables: Mix in some roasted or sauteed veggies such as artichokes, mushrooms, asparagus, bell peppers, red onions or zucchini.
  • Pasta: No angel hair on hand? Try another variety of pasta such as orzo, small shells or farfalle.

Pasta topped with herbs, cheese, salt and pepper.

Once you taste this pasta, you’ll find yourself making it on a regular basis! It’s quick, versatile and goes well with so many different types of meat and seafood.

Angel hair pasta served with chicken and broccoli.

More delicious pasta recipes

  • Pasta Carbonara
  • Butternut Squash Pasta
  • Buffalo Chicken Pasta
  • Mushroom Pasta
  • Cajun Shrimp Pasta

Angel Hair Pasta Video

Garlic and herb angel hair pasta topped with fresh tomatoes.
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5 from 17 votes

Angel Hair Pasta with Garlic and Herbs

This angel hair pasta recipe is tender noodles coated in garlic, fresh herbs, olive oil, butter and parmesan cheese. Add a fresh tomato topping for a memorable side dish or lighter main course option!
Course Side Dish
Cuisine Italian
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 353kcal
Author Sara Welch

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces angel hair pasta
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 teaspoons garlic
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh herbs such as parsley, chives, dill and/or basil
  • 1/4 cup parmesan cheese grated
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • additional chopped herbs for garnish optional

Instructions

  • Cook the pasta in salted water according to package directions.
  • Place the butter and olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
  • After the butter has melted, stir in the garlic and cook for 30-60 seconds, stirring constantly.
  • Drain the pasta and add it to the pan. Add the herbs and parmesan cheese to the pan, along with salt and pepper to taste, then toss to coat the pasta.
  • Top with tomatoes. Sprinkle with additional herbs for garnish if desired, then serve.

Nutrition

Calories: 353kcal | Carbohydrates: 44g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 19mg | Sodium: 156mg | Potassium: 167mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 315IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 89mg | Iron: 1mg
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Filed Under: Pasta, Side Dishes

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    Comments

    1. Sheri says

      August 7, 2021 at 7:00 pm

      5 stars
      My family loves pasta and this dish was so delicious! Thanks for the recipe!

      Reply
    2. Jerri Blair says

      June 4, 2021 at 12:24 pm

      5 stars
      Delicious!!! And so easy.

      Reply
    3. Kendra says

      May 13, 2021 at 7:30 am

      Can you use dried herbs instead of fresh herbs?

      Reply
      • Sara says

        May 13, 2021 at 8:46 pm

        It should be fine but use 1/3 of the amount!

        Reply
    4. Jodi C says

      April 8, 2020 at 5:37 am

      5 stars
      Made for my husband and son last night. I doubled the receipie since my son eats like a horse. They loved it. Will make again.

      Reply
      • Susan Taylor says

        August 4, 2020 at 4:21 pm

        5 stars
        Made as a side dish for grilled halibut and adored it!
        Especially with a ton of cherry tomato surplus from our garden, added some zucchini also. Very summery!

        Reply
        • Ron says

          March 31, 2021 at 11:33 pm

          I love zucchini! Thanks for the tip! Can I ask if you cooked/baked the zucchini?

          Reply
    5. Kristy says

      March 25, 2020 at 2:16 pm

      5 stars
      Pasta is a real comfort food for us! This recipe was very good and the addition of fresh tomatoes was so spring like.

      Reply
    6. Suzy says

      March 21, 2020 at 10:48 am

      5 stars
      So glad I found this delicious recipe and I had the ingredients in the house! During this shutdown I’m always looking for new things to make with what I have at hand. Plenty of time to cook now!

      Reply
    7. Deseree says

      February 6, 2020 at 2:56 pm

      5 stars
      What’s not to love about a lighter pasta dish! I love that you have kept it light with the addition of fresh tomatoes on top.

      Reply
    8. Jacque Hastert says

      February 6, 2020 at 12:16 pm

      5 stars
      This is perfect for anyone who loves pasta, but not a heavy one. I love that you can top this pasta with so many different items. I think I am going to make this and place some salmon on top.

      Reply
    9. Tiffany La Forge-Grau says

      February 5, 2020 at 2:03 pm

      5 stars
      This is my favorite type of pasta to eat. Your recipe really resonates with my soul. I need it!

      Reply
    10. Elaine says

      February 5, 2020 at 1:00 pm

      5 stars
      So delicious with olives, feta and sun-dried tomatoes! A quick and easy recipe!

      Reply
    11. Marlynn says

      February 5, 2020 at 12:41 pm

      5 stars
      So glad I found this! I can always use easy and simple dinner dishes like this for our crazy busy weeknights. Thank you for this delicious recipe!

      Reply
    12. Anita says

      February 5, 2020 at 12:27 pm

      5 stars
      This is super lovely. Using angel hair means a very quick cooking time, so definitely the perfect pasta when I’m feeling super hungry and need a quick satisfying meal. 🙂

      Reply
    13. Catalina says

      February 5, 2020 at 12:20 pm

      5 stars
      Deliciousness! Pasta is always a favorite in our house!

      Reply
    14. Suzy says

      February 5, 2020 at 12:16 pm

      5 stars
      My hubby can’t get enough of angel hair pasta! Love the simple sauce of garlic and herbs!

      Reply
    15. Irina says

      February 5, 2020 at 11:13 am

      5 stars
      Oh, I love this meatless pasta recipe. I have never thought to serve pasta without meat… but this is a great idea! Thanks!

      Reply
    16. Chrissie Baker says

      February 5, 2020 at 12:56 am

      5 stars
      This looks perfect for an every day speed meal! Yummy.

      Reply
    17. Amanda says

      February 4, 2020 at 5:04 pm

      5 stars
      My whole family cannot get enough of this meal it’s always a big hit!

      Reply

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