Angel Hair Pasta With Creamy Alfredo Sauce

Name: Angel Hair Pasta With Creamy Alfredo Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 2 cloves garlic, minced; Salt and pepper to taste; 1/4 cup chopped parsley (optional); 12 ounces angel hair pasta; Water for boiling; Additional salt for pasta water

Highlighted under: Warm Comfort Food Favorites

I love whipping up Angel Hair Pasta with Creamy Alfredo Sauce when I want something indulgent yet quick. This dish combines al dente pasta with a rich, creamy sauce that's made from scratch, and it never fails to impress. The lightness of the angel hair pairs perfectly with the decadence of the Alfredo, creating a dish that feels both elegant and comforting. Plus, it takes just a little over 20 minutes to prepare, making it my go-to for busy weeknights or special occasions.

Created by

Serena Whitaker

Last updated on 2026-02-23T21:29:37.109Z

When I first tried making Alfredo sauce from scratch, I was pleasantly surprised by how simple it was. The secret to a great Alfredo lies in using high-quality ingredients. A combination of heavy cream, fresh Parmesan, and a touch of garlic creates a velvety sauce that clings perfectly to the angel hair pasta. I like to finish it off with a sprinkle of parsley for color and freshness.

One of my best tips is to save a bit of the pasta cooking water! Adding a splash to your sauce can help achieve that perfect creamy consistency, ensuring that every bite is indulgent. Trust me, this dish quickly becomes a favorite for anyone who tries it!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Light and delicate angel hair perfectly complemented by a creamy sauce.
A quick and easy dinner that's ready in under 30 minutes.
Perfectly customizable with your favorite add-ins like grilled chicken or veggies.

Choosing the Right Ingredients

When making Alfredo sauce, the quality of your ingredients significantly impacts the final dish. I recommend using fresh, high-fat heavy cream as it imparts a rich texture and flavor that lower-fat alternatives simply can't match. For the Parmesan cheese, opt for freshly grated over pre-packaged for the best melting and a smoother consistency. Aged Parmesan offers a deeper flavor, so it’s worth seeking out if you want to elevate your sauce further.

Don't forget about the garlic! Freshly minced garlic adds a fragrant aroma that brings out the flavors in the sauce. If you're in a pinch, you can substitute with a small amount of garlic powder, but fresh garlic truly enhances the dish. Lastly, for the parsley, while optional, I always recommend it for a fresh pop of color and flavor that brightens the creamy sauce.

Perfecting Cooking Techniques

Cooking angel hair pasta requires attention to timing to achieve the perfect al dente texture. Since this type of pasta cooks quickly, start checking for doneness a minute before the package's stated cooking time—usually around 3 minutes. Under-cooking slightly is preferable because the pasta will continue cooking when tossed with the hot Alfredo sauce, allowing it to absorb the flavors.

For the sauce, maintaining a gentle simmer is key. Boiling the cream too rapidly can lead to separation, causing your sauce to become oily. Stirring constantly helps to prevent this and ensures a creamy consistency. If your sauce starts to thicken too much, add a bit of the reserved pasta water gradually—this not only thins the sauce but also helps it stick to the pasta better.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to create a delightful meal:

Ingredients for Alfredo Sauce

1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup chopped parsley (optional)

Ingredients for Angel Hair Pasta

12 ounces angel hair pasta
Water for boiling
Additional salt for pasta water

Make sure everything is prepped and ready before you start cooking!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to achieve the perfect Angel Hair Pasta with Creamy Alfredo Sauce:

Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the angel hair pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually about 3-4 minutes. Once cooked, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.

Make the Alfredo Sauce

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper.

Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently to coat the pasta, adding reserved pasta water as needed to thin the sauce to your desired consistency. If using, sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.

Enjoy your delicious meal with a side salad or garlic bread!

Pro Tips

For an added touch of flavor, consider incorporating cooked shrimp, grilled chicken, or sautéed vegetables into the pasta just before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Angel hair pasta with creamy Alfredo sauce is delicious on its own, but it can easily be dressed up by adding protein or vegetables. Grilled chicken, shrimp, or sautéed mushrooms can be mixed in for a heartier meal. Additionally, fresh vegetables like spinach or broccoli can bring a nice crunch and color, making this dish more nutritious without sacrificing flavor.

For a restaurant-style presentation, serve the pasta in a large bowl, garnishing with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan and a few sprigs of parsley. You could also drizzle a bit of high-quality olive oil over the top for an added layer of flavor and an attractive sheen.

Storage and Reheating Tips

While this dish is best served fresh, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating Alfredo pasta, add a splash of milk or cream to restore its creaminess and avoid a dry texture. Heat gently in a skillet over low heat, stirring frequently to ensure even warming—this prevents the sauce from separating.

If you want to prepare the dish ahead of time, you can make the Alfredo sauce and cook the pasta separately. Store each component in the fridge and combine them when ready to serve. This will help maintain the pasta's texture and keep the sauce from thickening excessively.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make the sauce in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the Alfredo sauce ahead of time. Just reheat gently before mixing with freshly cooked pasta.

→ What can I substitute for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or a mixture of milk and butter for a lighter version, although the sauce will be less rich.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream or water to help regain creaminess.

→ Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely! Broccoli, spinach, or peas make excellent additions for extra color and nutrition.