This '90s Ingredient That Was Left Behind is Actually Perfect for Quick Weeknight Meals

When was the last time you had angel hair pasta at a restaurant or cooked it yourself? Once a staple of the '90s restaurant scene, it was part of the low-carb movement and other fleeting food trends. It was the star of trendy eateries, cookbooks, and diet plans.

Angel hair pasta was often paired with a simple mix of olive oil, chopped tomatoes, and basil, commonly known as angel hair pomodoro in the '90s. These delicate strands, also called capellini or 'fine hair,' were also served in nests, topped with ingredients like lemon, capers, vegetables, cheese, chicken, or shrimp.

And then, it disappeared.

Eventually, it fell out of favor and became as outdated as the once-popular sun-dried tomato, which also had its moment in the limelight.

In a recent article for The New York Times, food writer Eric Kim shared his love for angel hair pasta with his Twitter audience:

"My biggest, most embarrassing secret? I really enjoy angel hair pasta. It's delicious, ok! Just don't overcook it!"

In a follow-up conversation, Eric explains, "I think I like angel hair because it reminds me of Korean noodles, like somyeon (or sōmen). Plus, growing up, my cousins and I would eat at Macaroni Grill on weekends, and many of the dishes there had angel hair. That's when I really started to appreciate that pasta shape."

"It's soft, springy, and super easy to eat (the kind of food that practically melts in your mouth). I love how it soaks up sauces like chicken Parm, piccata, and Marsala — and in this recipe, a deliciously savory bacon, vermouth, and onion sauce. I think it's wildly underrated. The trick is to not overcook it."

How to Cook Angel Hair Pasta

Overcooking angel hair is why so many people don't have fond memories of this '90s favorite. Too many rubbery, gummy versions of this pasta didn't do it justice. Angel hair cooks in just a few minutes.

This is exactly why it's perfect for a quick weeknight meal. It cooks in less than half the time of spaghetti or linguine. Take advantage of its speed—treat it like fresh pasta, and it will shine.

Angel hair typically cooks in about three minutes, depending on the brand. Once it's ready, immediately toss it with a no-cook sauce and you're done. Think of cooking it like fresh pasta—just a brief dip in the boiling water.

Rediscover the joy of cooking and enjoying angel hair pasta for dinner tonight.

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