Angel Hair Pasta With Alfredo Sauce

Name: Angel Hair Pasta With Alfredo Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 8 oz angel hair pasta; 1/2 cup unsalted butter; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 1/2 cups grated Parmesan cheese; 2 cloves garlic, minced; Salt and pepper, to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Highlighted under: Warm & Wholesome

I absolutely love making Angel Hair Pasta with Alfredo Sauce because it whips up quickly and tastes incredibly rich. The delicate strands of pasta pair perfectly with the creamy sauce, creating a satisfying dish that feels indulgent without being overly complicated. Whether I'm making it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe never fails to impress. Plus, the simplicity of the ingredients allows the flavors to shine through, making it a favorite in my household.

Created by

Eleanor Briggs

Last updated on 2026-02-27T19:01:35.320Z

Making Angel Hair Pasta with Alfredo Sauce is one of my go-to recipes when I want something comforting yet impressive. I remember the first time I tried it; I was amazed at how the lightness of the angel hair beautifully complemented the richness of the Alfredo sauce. Cooking the pasta just right—al dente—made all the difference in texture.

One essential tip I've learned is to save a bit of pasta water before draining; adding it to the sauce helps achieve that silky consistency. It's a simple trick that elevates this dish to restaurant quality and keeps everyone coming back for seconds!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Rich and creamy Alfredo sauce that clings perfectly to each strand of pasta
Quick preparation time ideal for busy weeknights
Easy to customize with your favorite vegetables or proteins

Perfecting Your Alfredo Sauce

The key to a rich and creamy Alfredo sauce lies in the quality of your ingredients. Use fresh, high-quality Parmesan cheese, ideally freshly grated, as it melts better and provides a more robust flavor compared to pre-grated options. Avoid the packaged stuff if you can; it often contains anti-caking agents that can hinder smooth blending. As you whisk in the cheese, you should aim for a glossy sauce that clings to the back of a spoon.

Garlic is another crucial ingredient that builds the foundation of flavor in this dish. Sauté it just until fragrant to prevent bitterness—around one minute at medium heat should do the trick. If you prefer a milder garlic taste, feel free to reduce the amount or use roasted garlic instead, which adds a sweeter, caramelized profile to the sauce.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

Consider elevating your Angel Hair Pasta with Alfredo Sauce by adding sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or even broccoli. These not only add color and nutrition but also introduce interesting texture contrasts. If you want protein to make it more filling, grilled chicken, shrimp, or even sautéed scallops are fantastic options that complement the creamy sauce beautifully.

For a fun twist, try infusing the sauce with flavors such as lemon zest or a splash of white wine during the simmering stage. The acidity can brighten the dish, balancing out the rich creaminess of the Alfredo. Serving it with a light side salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette can also provide a refreshing contrast to the heaviness of the pasta.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to create your delicious Angel Hair Pasta with Alfredo Sauce:

Ingredients

8 oz angel hair pasta
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 cup heavy cream
1 1/2 cups grated Parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to prepare your Angel Hair Pasta with Alfredo Sauce:

Cook the Pasta

In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the angel hair pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 2-3 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water.

Make the Alfredo Sauce

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.

Combine and Serve

Gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Pro Tips

For added flavor, you can include cooked chicken or sautéed vegetables like spinach or mushrooms in the dish.

Make-Ahead and Storage

If you're planning to make this dish ahead of time, cook the pasta al dente and toss it lightly with a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking. Store the pasta and sauce separately in airtight containers; the sauce will keep well in the refrigerator for up to three days. When ready to serve, gently reheat the sauce over low heat. You may need to add a splash of cream or reserved pasta water to restore its creamy texture as it can thicken while stored.

For those who want to enjoy this dish later, consider freezing the Alfredo sauce without the pasta. It can be frozen for up to a month, allowing you to whip up a fast and decadent meal whenever cravings strike. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and warm it gently on the stove, whisking until it becomes creamy again.

Troubleshooting Your Sauce

If your Alfredo sauce is too thick, don't panic! A common solution is to slowly whisk in some of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency. This water is starchy, which helps keep the sauce creamy while also adhering to the pasta. Always start with a little; you can add more as needed without making it too runny.

On the other hand, if your sauce seems grainy or separates, this can occur when the eggs or cheese are added too quickly or when the sauce is overheated. To fix this, remove it from heat and vigorously whisk in a bit more cream until it smooths out. Keeping the heat at a steady medium and stirring continuously can help prevent this issue in future attempts.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, while angel hair is perfect, you can substitute it with fettuccine or linguine.

→ Is there a way to lighten the sauce?

You can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, though the texture will be slightly different.

→ How can I make this dish vegetarian?

This recipe is already vegetarian! Just ensure that the Parmesan cheese is rennet-free.

→ What can I do with leftovers?

Leftover pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of water or cream.