What is Capellini d'Angelo pasta?

Capellini d'Angelo, also known as angel hair pasta, is a very thin variety of Italian pasta. It cooks quickly, usually in 2 to 3 minutes, and is best paired with light sauces such as olive oil, fresh tomatoes, or seafood. Its delicate texture makes it a popular choice for simple, fast meals that highlight fresh ingredients.

How do you cook Capellini d'Angelo properly to avoid overcooking?

To cook Capellini d'Angelo, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain immediately once al dente (firm to the bite) to maintain its delicate texture. Avoid overcooking as it becomes mushy quickly due to its thinness.

What types of sauces or dishes pair well with Capellini d'Angelo?

Capellini d'Angelo pairs best with light, simple sauces such as olive oil and garlic, fresh tomato sauce, lemon butter, or seafood like shrimp and clams. Heavier, cream-based sauces can overwhelm its delicate strands. It’s also excellent in cold pasta salads or broth-based soups for a light, flavorful dish.

Can Capellini d'Angelo be used as a substitute for other pasta types?

Yes, Capellini d'Angelo can substitute for other thin pastas like vermicelli or thin spaghetti in recipes. However, because it cooks faster and is more fragile, adjustments in cooking time are necessary. It works well when you want a lighter meal or when sauces are subtle and don’t overpower the pasta.

How should Capellini d'Angelo be stored before and after cooking?

Before cooking, store dry Capellini d'Angelo in a cool, dry place, sealed in its original packaging or an airtight container. After cooking, it’s best served immediately, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 days. Reheat gently by briefly immersing in hot water or steaming to prevent clumping.

Capellini D'Angelo with Garlic Shrimp and Steak Recipe

Name: capellini d'angelo
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: – 2 cups canned crushed tomatoes for the flavorful base of the creamy tomato sauce; – 2 cups heavy cream for richness and smooth texture; – 2 cups chicken stock for depth; – 1 cup grated Romano cheese for sharp, salty accent; – 2 tablespoons olive oil for sautéing mushrooms; – 12 ounces sliced mushrooms for earthiness and texture; – 1 cup cooked peas for slight sweetness and color; – 4 ounces thick-cut bacon or prosciutto for smoky, savory flavor; – 1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic; – 1 clove finely minced fresh garlic for aromatic depth; – 1/2 teaspoon granulated onion; – 1 pound angel hair pasta; – Fresh ground black pepper to taste

Description

🍝 Experience the delicate texture of Capellini D’Angelo, a creamy tomato pasta perfect for a flavorful dinner.
🧄 Enjoy a rich blend of garlic shrimp and steak stir fry flavors complemented by tender angel hair pasta for a quick, satisfying meal.

Ingredients

– 2 cups canned crushed tomatoes for the flavorful base of the creamy tomato sauce

– 2 cups heavy cream for richness and smooth texture

– 2 cups chicken stock for depth

– 1 cup grated Romano cheese for sharp, salty accent

– 2 tablespoons olive oil for sautéing mushrooms

– 12 ounces sliced mushrooms for earthiness and texture

– 1 cup cooked peas for slight sweetness and color

– 4 ounces thick-cut bacon or prosciutto for smoky, savory flavor

– 1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic

– 1 clove finely minced fresh garlic for aromatic depth

– 1/2 teaspoon granulated onion

– 1 pound angel hair pasta

– Fresh ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

First Step: Sauté the mushrooms. Begin by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add 12 ounces of sliced mushrooms and sauté until golden brown and tender, about 5 to 7 minutes. This step develops a deep, earthy flavor foundational to the sauce.

Second Step: Add and simmer crushed tomatoes. Pour 2 cups of canned crushed tomatoes into the pan with the mushrooms. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for about 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to help the tomatoes break down and their flavors meld with the mushrooms.

Third Step: Stir in cream, stock, and seasonings. Add 2 cups of heavy cream and 2 cups of chicken stock, stirring to combine. Next, incorporate 1 cup grated Romano cheese, 1/2 teaspoon granulated onion, and 1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic (or fresh garlic). Season with freshly ground black pepper to taste. Reduce heat to low and simmer the sauce gently for 10 minutes, letting it thicken slightly and flavors deepen.

Fourth Step: Cook the capellini pasta. While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 1 pound of angel hair pasta (capellini or spaghettini) and cook for 2 to 4 minutes until al dente, watching carefully due to the thin noodles’ rapid cooking time. Drain promptly to avoid overcooking.

Fifth Step: Warm peas and bacon in the sauce. Just before the pasta finishes cooking, add 1 cup of cooked peas and 4 ounces of cooked thick-cut bacon or prosciutto to the sauce. Stir to warm through and integrate these components, adding bursts of flavor and texture.

Final Step: Combine pasta and sauce, then serve. Drain the pasta thoroughly and add it to the sauce. Toss gently to coat every strand with the creamy tomato mixture. Serve immediately, garnished with extra grated Romano cheese and freshly ground black pepper.

Notes

🥓 Use lean thick cut bacon as a smoky alternative to prosciutto for better flavor balance.
🧀 Romano cheese adds sharpness but can be omitted if preferred for a milder taste.
🍄 Swap mushrooms with asparagus for a fresh, seasonal variation.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Simmering Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Sautéing and Simmering
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving (about 350g)
Calories: 827 kcal
Sugar: 10 g
Sodium: 585 mg
Fat: 49 g
Saturated Fat: 25 g
Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 74 g
Fiber: 6 g
Protein: 26 g
Cholesterol: 141 mg

Keywords: Capellini D'Angelo, Garlic Shrimp, Steak Stir Fry, Angel Hair Pasta