Garlic-Infused Angel Hair Pasta with Parmesan
Experience the delicate flavors of angel hair pasta tossed in a fragrant garlic-infused olive oil sauce, elevated by the freshness of chopped parsley and the richness of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. This dish serves beautifully on its own or with your choice of sautéed shrimp, grilled vegetables, or even roasted chicken. It's an elegant yet simple one-dish meal perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Enjoy the aromatic flavors and comforting texture that make this pasta dish a crowd favorite, adaptable for any palate.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
capellini (angel hair pasta)
1 (16 ounce package)
olive oil
1/4 (cup)
fresh parsley
1/4 (cup, chopped)
garlic
4 (cloves, finely chopped)
Parmesan cheese
1/2 (cup, freshly grated)
fresh ground pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the capellini (angel hair pasta) according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 3-5 minutes. Drain the pasta well, reserving a small amount of the pasta water.
2
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the finely chopped garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until it becomes fragrant and just starts to turn golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
3
Add the chopped fresh parsley to the skillet and stir it into the garlic, cooking for an additional 1 minute.
4
Add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing it gently in the garlic-parsley mixture. If the pasta seems dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to help coat the noodles.
5
Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until well combined. Season the pasta with fresh ground pepper to taste.
6
Serve the pasta hot, garnished with additional parsley and Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy with your favorite protein or vegetables if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Garlic-Infused Angel Hair Pasta with Parmesan?
It is a delicate pasta dish featuring thin capellini tossed in a fragrant sauce made from olive oil, sautéed garlic, fresh parsley, and grated Parmesan cheese.
How long does it take to cook angel hair pasta?
Angel hair pasta, also known as capellini, cooks very quickly, typically taking only 3 to 5 minutes to reach an al dente texture.
How do I infuse the olive oil with garlic?
Heat olive oil in a skillet until shimmering, then add finely chopped garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and just starting to turn golden.
What are the main ingredients for this recipe?
The recipe requires a 16-ounce package of capellini, 1/4 cup of olive oil, 1/4 cup of fresh parsley, 4 cloves of garlic, 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese, and fresh ground pepper.
Is this pasta recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it contains no meat products, focusing instead on pasta, oil, cheese, and herbs.
Can I add protein to this dish?
Absolutely. This dish pairs beautifully with sautéed shrimp, grilled vegetables, or roasted chicken to make it more substantial.
What should I do if the pasta seems too dry?
If the pasta seems dry after tossing it in the skillet, add a small splash of the reserved pasta water to help coat the noodles evenly.
When do I add the Parmesan cheese?
The Parmesan cheese should be stirred in after the skillet has been removed from the heat to prevent it from clumping or overcooking.
Can I use dried parsley instead of fresh?
While fresh parsley is recommended for its vibrant flavor and color, you can use dried parsley if needed, though you should reduce the amount used.
What kind of olive oil is best for this recipe?
A high-quality extra virgin olive oil is recommended as it forms the base of the sauce and significantly impacts the final flavor.
How many cloves of garlic are used?
The recipe calls for 4 cloves of garlic, which should be finely chopped to ensure maximum flavor infusion.
How do I prevent the garlic from burning?
Sauté the garlic over medium-high heat for only 1-2 minutes and watch it closely; remove it from heat or add the next ingredient as soon as it turns golden.
Is capellini the same as angel hair pasta?
Yes, capellini is the Italian name for angel hair pasta, characterized by its very thin, delicate strands.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
To make this dish vegan, simply omit the Parmesan cheese or substitute it with a vegan-friendly nutritional yeast or plant-based cheese alternative.
What type of pepper is recommended?
Freshly ground black pepper is recommended to provide a sharp, clean spice that complements the garlic and Parmesan.
Is this a good recipe for a quick weeknight dinner?
Yes, because angel hair pasta cooks so quickly and the sauce only takes a few minutes to prepare, it is an ideal quick meal.
Should I salt the pasta water?
Yes, the recipe specifies bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil to ensure the pasta is properly seasoned.
How do I serve this dish?
Serve the pasta hot, garnished with additional fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
What is the texture of the sauce?
The sauce is a light, oil-based infusion that coats the delicate strands of pasta without weighing them down like a heavy cream sauce.
Can I use pre-minced garlic from a jar?
While fresh garlic provides the best aromatic results for infusion, pre-minced garlic can be used in a pinch.
Is this dish spicy?
No, this dish is not inherently spicy, though you could add red pepper flakes if you prefer a bit of heat.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
Based on a standard 16-ounce package of pasta, this recipe typically serves 4 to 6 people.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute other long pastas like spaghetti or linguine, though the cooking time will increase.
What makes this dish elegant?
The combination of delicate angel hair strands with high-quality oil and fresh herbs gives it a refined presentation and taste.
How long do I cook the parsley?
The parsley is stirred into the garlic and oil and cooked for just 1 minute before adding the pasta.
Does this dish store well as leftovers?
It is best enjoyed fresh, as angel hair can become soft when reheated, but it can be stored in the fridge and reheated with a little extra oil.
What vegetables pair well with this pasta?
Grilled zucchini, roasted cherry tomatoes, or sautéed spinach are excellent additions to this garlic-infused pasta.
Is this an authentic Italian dish?
It is inspired by Italian cuisine, specifically the 'aglio e olio' style of preparation which focuses on garlic and oil.
Do I need a large skillet for this?
Yes, a large skillet is necessary to have enough room to toss the 16 ounces of pasta with the garlic and oil mixture.
Is this recipe easy for beginners?
Yes, with only 6 ingredients and simple steps like boiling and sautéing, it is an excellent recipe for novice cooks.