Angel hair pasta, known interchangeably by its beautiful Italian name Capellini (or “capelli d’angelo,” meaning “little hairs”), is a distinctive and highly celebrated type of very long, exceptionally thin Italian pasta. Its delicate structure and slender form make it one of the quickest-cooking pastas available, typically reaching al dente perfection in a mere matter of minutes. Due to its light and almost ethereal texture, angel hair pasta pairs exquisitely well with delicate sauces that won’t overpower its subtle character, such as vibrant garlic butter sauces, light and fresh tomato sauces, or rich and creamy emulsions like the luscious one featured in this recipe. Its remarkable ability to rapidly absorb flavors from its cooking environment makes it an absolute favorite for creating elegant, yet incredibly speedy, meals that taste far more complex than their preparation suggests.

Absolutely! Preparing a creamy angel hair alfredo in an Instant Pot is an ingenious and highly efficient method to make this dish even faster and significantly more hands-off. The pressure cooker creates a perfect environment for the pasta to cook quickly while infusing it deeply with flavor. Here’s a simple yet effective guide to achieve perfectly cooked, creamy Instant Pot angel hair pasta:

• Begin by combining the chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option), along with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and any optional additional seasonings like 1/2 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, directly into the Instant Pot liner. Stir thoroughly to ensure everything is well-mixed.
• Carefully break the angel hair pasta in half. This step is important to ensure the long strands fit comfortably within the pot and cook evenly. Gently lay the broken pasta evenly over the liquid. It is crucial to **avoid stirring** the pasta into the liquid at this stage, as this can cause the pasta to clump together and cook unevenly.
• Securely close and seal the Instant Pot lid. Ensure the steam release valve is set to the “Sealing” position. Select the High Pressure setting and set the cooking time for precisely 3 minutes.
• Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow a Natural Pressure Release (NPR) for 10 minutes. This critical step helps prevent foamy starch build-up and ensures that the pasta achieves a perfectly tender, yet still firm (al dente) texture without becoming mushy.
• After the 10-minute natural release, carefully manually release any remaining pressure by turning the steam release valve to “Venting.” Once the float valve drops, open the lid. Immediately stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and the heavy cream until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth, luxurious, and beautifully coats all the pasta strands.

Important Note: To help prevent a common “burn” error signal, especially if using a thicker broth or if your Instant Pot model is prone to this, consider adding an additional 1/2 cup of water to the broth before adding the pasta. Always ensure there’s sufficient liquid to mostly cover the pasta when you close the lid.

Angel hair pasta is renowned for its incredibly swift cooking time, typically ranging anywhere from a rapid 2 minutes to about 6 minutes, depending on the desired al dente texture. However, it’s vital to remember that the precise cooking time can fluctuate significantly between different pasta brands due to slight variations in the pasta’s diameter and overall thickness. For instance, some popular brands, such as Barilla, might recommend a slightly longer cooking time, potentially up to 8 minutes, for their specific angel hair varieties. Therefore, to ensure you achieve the perfect al dente texture that is tender yet still has a satisfying bite, it is always strongly recommended to consult and follow the specific cooking instructions provided on your particular pasta package when preparing this creamy dish. Overcooked angel hair can quickly lose its delicate structure and become mushy, so vigilant monitoring is key!

The inherent beauty and incredible flavor of this simple pasta recipe truly shine through its minimal yet exceedingly high-quality ingredients. To craft the most exquisite and authentic sauce for your angel hair, prioritizing fresh, premium components will make a truly remarkable difference in both the flavor profile and the captivating aroma of the final dish. Here’s a comprehensive, detailed look at each essential item you’ll need to create this culinary masterpiece:

• Angel Hair Pasta: This is, without a doubt, the undisputed star of our dish! Seek out and select thin Italian pasta varieties such as Capellini or Vermicelli. The delicate and fine strands are absolutely key to achieving the dish’s signature quick cooking time and its wonderfully tender, delicate texture.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: A superior quality extra virgin olive oil serves as the fundamental building block of richness and imparts an authentic, deeply Mediterranean flavor profile to the initial sauté. Ideally, store it in a dark glass bottle or cool, dark place to meticulously preserve its quality, delicate flavor notes, and beneficial antioxidants.
• Fresh Garlic: This ingredient is not just important; it is absolutely essential! For a truly potent, sweet, and aromatic flavor that will undeniably elevate the entire dish, always opt to press or finely mince your own fresh garlic cloves. This yields a far superior taste compared to using pre-minced or powdered garlic.
• Chicken Broth: This liquid provides a profoundly savory and robust base for the pasta to cook directly in, effortlessly infusing it with layers of flavor from the inside out. For a completely vegetarian version, a high-quality vegetable broth can be seamlessly substituted. In a pinch, convenient bouillon powder dissolved in hot water can also serve as a suitable replacement.
• Fresh Parmesan Cheese: This is a non-negotiable for achieving the very best results! Always grate a block of high-quality, aged Parmesan (Parmigiano Reggiano is highly recommended) yourself. Freshly grated cheese melts far more smoothly and offers a remarkably superior, sharper, and distinctly nuttier flavor compared to pre-grated varieties, which often contain anti-caking agents that can hinder melting and dilute flavor.
• Simple Seasonings: Freshly ground salt and black pepper are typically all you truly need to elegantly enhance the natural flavors of the premium ingredients. However, if you are opting to use plain water instead of broth, you will naturally need to increase the amount of salt. For an additional layer of classic Italian herb flavor, feel free to generously stir in about 1/2 teaspoon of dried Italian seasoning.
• Heavy Cream: This is truly the magic ingredient responsible for creating the incredibly rich, luxuriously silky, and utterly luscious sauce. It transforms the broth-infused pasta into a creamy masterpiece that clings to every strand. For those seeking a slightly lighter alternative, half-and-half or even whole milk can be utilized, though it’s worth noting that the overall richness and density of the sauce will be subtly reduced.

This Parmesan Angel Hair Pasta is a culinary chameleon, incredibly versatile and easily transitioning from a deeply satisfying vegetarian main course to a delectable side dish that perfectly complements your favorite proteins. Even when served simply as is, it’s an undeniable crowd-pleaser that everyone adores. But for those with a flair for customization and a desire to explore new flavor dimensions, the possibilities for adapting this dish are truly endless:

• Spinach and Sausage: Elevate the dish with robust flavors by incorporating 4 ounces of fresh baby spinach, wilting it directly into the hot pasta at the very end. Pair this with 8 ounces of your favorite cooked sausage – spicy Italian sausage or savory chicken sausage both work beautifully.
• Shrimp Scampi Style: For a touch of luxurious seafood elegance, prepare shrimp “scampi-style.” Quickly sauté fresh or thawed shrimp in a separate pan with fragrant garlic butter, a splash of dry white wine, and a generous squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Stir the cooked shrimp into the pasta just before serving.
• Mushrooms and Tomato: Add an earthy depth and vibrant freshness with a combination of freshly diced ripe tomatoes and tender sautéed mushrooms (cremini or button mushrooms are excellent choices). Cook them briefly with the garlic before adding the broth.
• Herb and Butter Infusion: Create an incredibly aromatic and comforting dish by stirring in a generous amount of dried herbs like aromatic parsley, earthy oregano, and fragrant thyme into a shimmering melted butter sauce. Toss this glorious mixture with the pasta and garnish with bright, sweet cherry tomatoes.
• Bacon and Chicken: For a heartier and undeniably savory meal, crispy bacon bits or tender shredded leftover grilled chicken breast make fantastic, flavor-packed add-ins.
• Asparagus and Shrimp: A wonderful and elegant springtime combination! Lightly steam or oven-roast fresh asparagus spears until they are tender-crisp. Chop them and stir into the pasta along with pre-cooked, thawed shrimp for a fresh and wholesome twist.
• Zucchini and Red Bell Peppers: Pan-sear your favorite garden vegetables until they are tender-crisp and slightly caramelized. Diced zucchini and vibrant red bell peppers add brilliant color, delightful texture, and a boost of nutrition.
• Mozzarella and Prosciutto: For an indulgent Italian flair that melts in your mouth, stir in fresh mozzarella cheese, which will create gooey, stretchy pockets of deliciousness. Complement this with thinly sliced, savory Italian prosciutto for a perfectly salty and rich contrast.
• Three Cheese Blend: Go beyond just Parmesan by incorporating a sophisticated blend of Asiago, Parmigiano Reggiano, and Fontina cheeses. This combination creates a more complex, nutty, and even richer creamy sauce that’s truly divine.
• Snap Peas and Parmesan: For a delightful touch of sweetness and a satisfying crunch, stir in fresh or frozen (thawed) snap peas or regular green peas. They not only add extra nutrition and a pleasant bite but also a lovely pop of green color.

These diverse variations empower you to effortlessly tailor the dish to your specific taste preferences, accommodate various dietary needs, or simply be inspired by whatever fresh, seasonal ingredients are calling to you. Don’t hesitate to experiment and make this classic recipe uniquely your own!

Making this creamy angel hair pasta alfredo is astonishingly simple and comes together incredibly quickly, all in the convenience of a single pot. This method minimizes dishes and maximizes flavor. Follow these straightforward steps to prepare this delightful homemade dish:

1. Sauté the Garlic: Begin by placing a 10-inch skillet or a similar-sized pot with a tight-fitting lid over medium heat. Drizzle in one tablespoon of high-quality extra virgin olive oil. Once the oil is shimmering gently, add the crushed or finely minced fresh garlic. Cook for approximately 30 seconds, stirring continuously to prevent burning, until it becomes wonderfully fragrant and slightly golden. Be very careful not to let the garlic brown or burn, as this can impart a bitter taste to your sauce.
2. Build the Flavor Base: Next, stir in the chicken broth (or your preferred vegetable broth), along with the specified amounts of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Increase the heat slightly and bring this flavorful mixture to a gentle, rolling boil.
3. Add the Pasta: As soon as the liquid reaches a vigorous boil, carefully add the angel hair pasta. It’s highly recommended to break the pasta in half before adding it to ensure it fits well within the pot and cooks more evenly. Gently push the pasta down into the boiling liquid to submerge it as much as possible.
4. Simmer to Perfection: Reduce the heat immediately to low-medium. Cover the skillet tightly with its lid and allow the pasta to simmer gently for precisely 6 minutes. The primary goal during this stage is for the pasta to absorb most of the flavorful liquid while cooking to a perfect al dente texture.
5. Finish the Sauce: When you observe that the broth has almost entirely evaporated and the pasta is tender yet still retains a slight, satisfying bite (al dente), remove the skillet from the heat source.
6. Creamy Indulgence: Without delay, stir in the heavy cream and a generous cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously and vigorously until the cheese is fully melted, and the sauce transforms into a beautifully smooth, creamy, and luxurious consistency that gracefully coats every single strand of pasta.
7. Garnish and Serve: For a final flourish of freshness and vibrant color, generously garnish your delicious pasta with fresh herbs like finely chopped parsley or basil. Serve this exquisite dish immediately while it’s warm and enjoy every single bite!

Chef’s Tip for Ultimate Creaminess: For complete control over your sauce’s final consistency, consider reserving about 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta cooking water (the liquid left in the pot, if any remains) just before you add the cream and cheese. You can then slowly add this reserved water back into the sauce, a tablespoon at a time, to effortlessly adjust and achieve your desired level of creaminess and lusciousness.

While this recipe is specifically designed for the delicate and swift-cooking angel hair pasta, which cooks incredibly fast (typically within 6 minutes) and is perfectly suited for quick, creamy sauces, you absolutely can adapt it for other thin pasta types you might have on hand. If angel hair pasta isn’t available, other thin Italian pasta varieties like Capellini (which is essentially the same as angel hair) or even Vermicelli will work wonderfully. The critical factor for success with this one-pot method is the slender profile of the pasta, which allows for rapid cooking and excellent absorption of the rich, flavorful sauce.

If you choose to use slightly thicker noodles, such as thin spaghetti, regular spaghetti, or even linguine, you will need to make a couple of thoughtful adjustments to ensure optimal results. First, add an additional 1/4 cup of water or broth to the cooking liquid to account for the increased absorption needs of thicker pasta. Second, and crucially, be sure to strictly follow the specific cooking time recommended on the pasta package instructions for your chosen noodle, as it will invariably be longer than that for angel hair (typically ranging from 8-12 minutes or more). If, after the cooking time, your pasta appears to have too much residual liquid and looks too watery, simply remove the lid from the pot and increase the heat to high. Allow it to boil gently for a minute or two, stirring occasionally, until most of the excess liquid evaporates and the sauce begins to thicken to your liking. Then, proceed to stir in the heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a perfectly rich, thick, and delicious sauce.

Absolutely! Adding a protein like succulent shrimp or tender chicken is a fantastic and highly recommended way to transform this creamy angel hair pasta from a delightful side dish into a complete, satisfying, and incredibly hearty main course. Integrating these proteins not only makes the dish more substantial but also introduces wonderful textural and flavor complexities. Here’s how to best incorporate them for maximum flavor and perfect results:

• For Shrimp: To avoid overcooking the delicate shrimp, it’s best to stir in about 12 ounces of pre-cooked, thawed frozen shrimp at the very end of the cooking process, specifically after you have already added the cream and Parmesan cheese. The residual heat from the hot pasta and sauce will gently warm the shrimp through without making them rubbery. For an even more elevated flavor profile, consider preparing the shrimp “scampi-style” beforehand: quickly sauté them in a separate pan with a little olive oil, fragrant garlic, a pinch of red pepper flakes, and a generous squeeze of fresh lemon juice until they are just pink and curled. Then, add these flavorful shrimp to the finished pasta.
• For Chicken: Incorporate approximately 12 ounces of pre-cooked chicken breast meat into the dish. This could be shredded rotisserie chicken, tender leftover grilled chicken, or pan-seared chicken that you’ve diced or shredded. Add the chicken when you stir in the heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to gently warm through and meld with the creamy sauce. To enhance the chicken’s flavor and create a wonderful complement to the creamy pasta, you could season it with a touch of Cajun seasoning, Italian herbs, or even a sprinkle of paprika while cooking it separately.

Always ensure that your shrimp or chicken is thoroughly cooked through before adding it to the pasta, as the short “warming” time in the pot is not sufficient to safely cook raw protein. This will guarantee a delicious and safe meal for everyone to enjoy!

This undeniably delicious pasta dish tends to disappear remarkably quickly, often leaving no trace! However, if you are fortunate enough to have any leftovers, rest assured that they reheat beautifully, allowing you to savor its creamy goodness once more. Proper storage and thoughtful reheating techniques are key to ensuring your creamy angel hair pasta maintains its delightful texture and rich flavor.

• Storage: Allow the cooked pasta to cool completely to room temperature before transferring it into an airtight container. Once sealed, store the container in the refrigerator for a safe and enjoyable consumption period of up to 3 to 5 days. It’s perfectly normal for the sauce to thicken considerably and for the pasta to absorb more liquid as it cools.
• Reheating: The optimal way to reheat creamy pasta is gently, which helps prevent the delicate sauce from “breaking” (separating) and ensures the pasta doesn’t become dry or clumpy.
• Microwave Method: For individual servings, place your portion in a microwave-safe dish. To help rehydrate and revive the sauce, add a small splash of milk, chicken broth, or even plain water (approximately 1-2 tablespoons per serving). Heat in short 30-second intervals, stirring thoroughly after each interval, until the pasta is uniformly hot and its creamy consistency has been restored.
• Stovetop Method: For larger portions or if you prefer a more luxurious reheating experience, transfer the leftover pasta to a buttered pan or skillet. Add a generous splash of milk or broth (about 1/4 to 1/2 cup for a larger portion). Heat gently over medium-low heat, keeping the pan covered, and stir occasionally. Continue heating until the pasta is thoroughly warm and the sauce has loosened and become creamy and luscious once again. This method is particularly effective at preventing the pasta from drying out and ensures wonderfully even heating.

By following these simple storage and reheating tips, your leftover creamy garlic Parmesan angel hair pasta will taste almost as freshly made, allowing you to enjoy its comforting flavors for days to come!

Directions:

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  Cook garlic in oil for 30 seconds over medium-high heat.
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  Stir in the chicken broth, salt, pepper, and bring to a boil.
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  Add in the pasta and bring to a simmer. Cover and cook over medium-low for 6 minutes.
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  Remove from the heat and stir in the parmesan cheese and heavy cream. Garnish with dried parsley and serve.

• To make chicken broth with chicken bouillon powder: stir together 3 cups of water and 1 tsp of chicken bouillon powder for this recipe.

Nutrition per serving