Garnishing Angel Hair Pasta: A Guide to the Perfect Sauce

Angel hair pasta, sometimes referred to as capelli d'angelo, is a delicate spaghetti-like pasta that requires a light yet flavorful sauce. The pasta's fine strands are meant to be coated lightly, allowing the sauce to enhance the dish rather than overpower it. Whether you're looking for a simple yet robust sauce or a more complex blend of flavors, there are countless options that can elevate your angel hair pasta dish. Let's explore some of the best sauces for angel hair pasta and how to prepare them.

Choosing the Right Sauce for Angel Hair Pasta

A sauce for angel hair pasta should be light in texture but strong in flavor. As very little sauce is used to lightly coat the pasta, it's crucial that each component contributes to a delicate yet satisfying dish. The goal is to achieve minimalism with maximal flavor. Opt for lighter sauces like olive oil, garlic, and herbs, and avoid heavy cream-based sauces that can weigh down the delicate strands of pasta.

My Favorite Sauce: Olive Oil, Garlic, Chili Flakes, and Anchovies

One of my favorite sauces is made with simply good olive oil, minced garlic, chili flakes, and anchovies. To prepare this sauce, gently heat the ingredients until the garlic is aromatic and the anchovies have melted into the oil. Toss the angel hair pasta in the flavored oil with some pasta cooking water and a handful of minced parsley. Finally, top with toasted breadcrumbs for extra depth. For an extra boost of flavor, toast the breadcrumbs in anchovy butter.

Light Sauces that Complement Angel Hair Pasta

Some of the best lighter sauces to use with angel hair pasta include olive oil, garlic, and herbs. Fresh ingredients such as tomatoes or vegetables can be incorporated, but be sure to avoid heavy cream-based sauces that can weigh down the pasta. Always add the sauce just before serving to maintain the pasta's texture and ensure a balanced dish.

Creamy Capelli d'Angelo

This creamy capelli d'Angelo recipe is a great example of how to properly prepare a sauce that complements angel hair pasta. Here are the ingredients and steps:

Ingredients

375g Capelli d'Angelo 150g prosciutto, finely sliced into pieces 3 tomatoes, diced 1 onion, minced 2 garlic cloves, crushed 1 bunch of coriander, chopped 1 lemon, cut into quarters 300 mL heavy cream 100 mL dry white wine 3 tbsp parmesan 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil Salt, pepper

Method

Heat the oil in a skillet and roast the onions and garlic for 2-3 minutes. Add the prosciutto, tomatoes, cream, wine, and parmesan. Season well and cook over low-medium heat for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the coriander and let simmer for an additional 5 minutes. Meanwhile, prepare the pasta according to their instructions. Serve the sauce over the capelli d'Angelo with a lemon quarter on each plate so the guests can squeeze just the right amount of lemon juice on their pasta.

Capelli d'Angelo alla Nanni

This classic dish, Capelli d'Angelo alla Nanni, is another elegant option. Here's how to make it:

Ingredients

2 tsp butter 2 oz. prosciutto 4 sliced mushrooms handful of petit pois 2 oz. cream 1/8 tsp ground pepper 1 1/2 oz. pecorino Romano flakes

Method

Melt the butter in a sauté pan and add the prosciutto, letting it crisp up for 2 minutes. Add the sliced mushrooms and sauté for 2 minutes. Stir in the petit pois and the cream, along with the ground pepper and pecorino Romano flakes. Cook over low heat for a few minutes.

Both of these recipes showcase the versatility and flavor of angel hair pasta. When paired with the right sauce, angel hair pasta can be a delightful and satisfying dish. Experiment with different ingredients and techniques to find the perfect sauce that complements your angel hair pasta.