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- 8 oz angel hair pasta - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 5 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes - ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped - Zest of 1 lemon - Salt and pepper to taste - Lemon wedges for garnish Choosing the right quality of garlic I always select fresh garlic. Look for firm bulbs with no soft spots. The aroma should be strong. This ensures the best flavor in your dish. Types of Parmesan cheese to use Use aged Parmesan for a richer taste. Grated cheese is great, but fresh cheese melts better. You can also try Pecorino Romano for a bolder flavor. Substitutes for unsalted butter If you need a substitute, use olive oil or ghee. Both add a nice taste. Coconut oil can work too, but it will change the flavor. To cook angel hair pasta, start with a large pot. Fill it with water and add salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add 8 oz of angel hair pasta. Cook it for about 4-5 minutes or until al dente. This means it should be firm but not hard. After cooking, drain the pasta in a colander. Don't forget this key step: reserve ½ cup of the pasta water. This starchy water helps make the sauce creamy later. Set the drained pasta aside while you prepare the sauce. In a large skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. As the butter melts, add 5 cloves of finely minced garlic and 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. The garlic adds flavor, and the red pepper flakes can spice things up. Sauté the garlic for 1-2 minutes. Stir it often to avoid burning. You want the garlic to smell good and turn light golden. Burnt garlic will make your dish taste bitter, so watch it closely. Now it's time to bring it all together. Add the drained angel hair pasta to the skillet with the garlic butter sauce. Pour in the reserved pasta water. This step is very important. Toss the pasta gently to coat every strand in the sauce. Next, add ½ cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Stir it in slowly. If the pasta looks too dry, add a little more reserved pasta water. This will help achieve a creamy texture. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your taste. Finally, mix in 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley and the zest of 1 lemon. This adds freshness and brightens the dish. Toss everything well to combine so each bite is full of flavor. Using fresh herbs makes a big difference. Fresh parsley adds bright flavor and color. Dried herbs lack the punch that fresh brings. For added taste, consider spices like crushed red pepper. This gives your dish a nice kick. You can also try black pepper or even a dash of smoked paprika for warmth. When plating Garlic Butter Angel Hair, keep it simple. Twirl the pasta onto the plate for a nice look. Add a sprinkle of Parmesan on top. For a finishing touch, garnish with lemon wedges. The lemon adds color and zest. It also helps balance the richness of the butter. Preparing ingredients ahead saves time. Mince garlic and chop parsley before cooking. This way, everything is ready when you need it. Use a large pot to boil water and a skillet for the sauce. A good quality pot heats quickly. This helps your pasta cook evenly. {{image_4}} You can boost the dish by adding protein. Shrimp works well here; just sauté it with the garlic. Chicken is another option. Cook it first, then slice and mix it in. For a veggie twist, toss in some spinach or bell peppers. They add color and nutrition. If you need a gluten-free option, use rice pasta instead of angel hair. It cooks similarly and tastes great. For a vegan meal, swap in dairy-free butter and cheese. You won’t lose flavor, and it stays creamy. Get creative with herbs! Basil or oregano can change the flavor profile. You might also try adding a hint of citrus. A bit of orange zest can make it fresh. For spice lovers, consider a dash of cayenne pepper for heat. To keep Garlic Butter Angel Hair fresh, store it in an airtight container. Place it in the fridge right after it cools down. This will help prevent bacteria growth. It lasts for about 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator. If you want to enjoy it later, make sure to follow the right steps for storing. When reheating, avoid the microwave if you can. Instead, use a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Stir gently to warm it up. If it seems dry, add a bit of butter. This will help restore its creamy texture and flavor. Yes, you can freeze Garlic Butter Angel Hair. To do this, let it cool completely first. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container. Use a container that seals tightly to avoid freezer burn. It can last up to 2 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat it using the skillet method for the best results. Yes, you can prep this dish in advance. Here are some tips: - Cook the pasta: Prepare the angel hair pasta as directed, but stop just short of fully cooking it. Drain and toss with a bit of olive oil to keep it from sticking. - Make the sauce: Prepare the garlic butter sauce in advance. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. - Combine later: When ready to serve, warm the sauce, cook the pasta a minute more, and mix them together. This will keep your dish fresh and tasty. Garlic Butter Angel Hair pairs well with several side dishes: - Garlic bread: A classic choice that complements the flavors well. - Salad: A simple green salad adds freshness and crunch. - Grilled vegetables: Zucchini or bell peppers bring color and taste. - Shrimp or chicken: Adding protein makes the meal heartier. It’s easy to scale the recipe up or down. Here’s how: - Double the ingredients: If you want to serve eight, just double everything. - Adjust cooking time: Keep an eye on the pasta; it may need a minute more if you cook a larger batch. - Mix well: Ensure all pasta gets coated with the sauce for even flavor. This blog post provides a full guide to making Garlic Butter Angel Hair Pasta. We covered essential ingredients, cooking steps, and helpful tips. You now know how to create a flavorful dish, store leftovers, and even variations. Don't hesitate to try new flavors or adjust the recipe to suit your taste. Cooking should be fun and easy. With these tips, your pasta will impress anyone. Enjoy your delicious creation and happy cooking!

Garlic Butter Angel Hair

Indulge in a delightful Garlic Butter Angel Hair pasta that's quick and easy to make! This recipe brings together perfectly cooked angel hair pasta tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce with a sprinkle of Parmesan and fresh parsley. Ready in just 20 minutes, it's perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion. Click through to discover how to create this mouthwatering dish that will impress your family and friends!
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Ingredients
  

8 oz angel hair pasta

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

5 cloves garlic, finely minced

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to your spice preference)

½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Zest of 1 lemon

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Lemon wedges for garnish

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Add the angel hair pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, which typically takes about 4-5 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta, but be sure to reserve ½ cup of the pasta water for later use. Set the drained pasta aside.

    Prepare the Garlic Butter: In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. As the butter melts, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté the mixture for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the garlic becomes aromatic and starts to turn a light golden color. Be cautious not to let the garlic burn, as this can impart a bitter flavor.

      Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained angel hair pasta to the skillet, followed by the reserved pasta water. Gently toss the pasta to evenly coat it in the garlic butter sauce, ensuring every strand is well-covered.

        Incorporate Cheese: Gradually stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, blending it into the pasta. If the mixture seems too dry, add small amounts of the reserved pasta water until you achieve a creamy consistency. Season the dish with salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your taste preferences.

          Add Fresh Flavor: Mix in the chopped fresh parsley and lemon zest, which will enhance the dish's brightness and freshness. Toss everything together thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are well combined.

            Serve: Plate the Garlic Butter Angel Hair immediately while it's still warm. Top with additional grated Parmesan cheese and serve with lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of citrus when desired.

              - Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 min | 20 min | Serves 4