Angel hair pasta or Capelli d'angelo, popularized in Italy in the 14th century, happens to be the thinner version of the Capellini pasta. This Italian pasta has a diameter of 0.78 to 0.88 mm. The name may also refer to a dish made with these noodles. An angel hair pasta dish typically contains cooked pasta, olive oil, garlic, flavoring herbs and seasonings, as well as fresh seasonal vegetables or meats of one's choice. Many Asian versions of the dish exist, as Asian recipes call for thin noodle-shaped pasta which is often fried in the nested form. Broccoli, chicken and seafood are the ingredients used to make various versions of this pasta dish, which may be served as a starter, side dish or main dish.
About Angel Hair Pasta Variety
Angel hair pasta consists of very thin and long strands, quite similar to but much finer than spaghetti. Delicate and thin sauces are known to go well with this pasta, which is made with durum semolina wheat, salt and water. Durum semolina, being a hard wheat variety, does not break down or become mushy in the cooking process. The flour used for making the pasta is of a very fine variety, so that it does not interfere with the texture of the strands.
How to Prepare Angel Hair Pasta
Angel hair pasta can be made at home with some time and patience. The pasta dough is prepared by kneading together durum semolina wheat flour, water and salt. Eggs are often added to make richer dough. A very thin dough is rolled out and then the pasta iscut into thin pieces, either manually or by the pasta machine. The angel hair thus prepared may be dried for use later on. Fresh angel hair pasta may be cooked and tossed with a sauce for a quick meal.
Ingredients Used and Method of Preparation of Angel Hair Pasta Dishes
Ingredients: Angel hair pasta, olive oil, butter, garlic, cheese, herbs like basil and thyme, salt and pepper are the basic ingredients suggested by the angel hair pasta recipe. Minced chives, broccoli florets, seafood or chicken breasts are some examples of additional ingredients often used in recipe variations.
Method of Preparation: To prepare the dish, angel hair pasta is cooked in boiling salted water till al dente, after which it is drained. Garlic may be added to the cooking liquid, and discarded after draining. The cooked pasta is then tossed with melted butter, grated cheese such as Parmesan and seasonings such as salt and pepper, or garlic salt. Ingredients like broccoli, carrots or meats may be included in the dish after cooking by sautéing, boiling or baking.
Serving Suggestions
Angel hair pasta is served hot as a starter or a side dish, with a garnish of basil leaves or grated cheese. It is sometimes served as a light meal by itself. Breads and salads are common accompaniments for the pasta.
Angel Hair Pasta Recipe Variations
Chicken with Angel Hair Pasta: This is prepared by cooking cubed chicken breasts in heated oil, after which they are set aside and carrots, broccoli and garlic are cooked in heated oil, followed by addition of chicken broth, basil and grated Parmesan cheese. The sauce is cooked by simmering, after which it is served over cooked angel hair pasta with chicken pieces.
Angel Hair Pasta with Shrimp and Broccoli: This version is prepared by cooking angel hair pasta and broccoli till al dente, and then sautéing shrimp in heated butter or olive oil. The pasta, broccoli and shrimp are then tossed together, adding the seasonings as per taste.
Nutritional Information
A single half cup serving of angel hair pasta contains about 200 calories, plus additional calories are contributed by olive oil or sauce.
