Best Easy Angel Hair Nest Pasta Recipes

Angel hair nest pasta, also known as capellini, is a thin and delicate pasta that cooks quickly and pairs well with a variety of ingredients. Its fine texture makes it perfect for creating nests, which not only look visually appealing but also help hold the sauce and other ingredients. If you’re looking to try something new with angel hair nest pasta, here are some of the best and easiest recipes to get you started.

1. Lemon Garlic Shrimp Nest Pasta:
Start by sautéing shrimp in a mixture of olive oil, minced garlic, and lemon zest. Once cooked, set the shrimp aside and toss the cooked pasta in the same pan with a little more olive oil, lemon juice, and freshly chopped parsley. Place the pasta in nests on serving plates and top with the cooked shrimp.

2. Caprese Nest Pasta:
Combine halved cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella balls, chopped basil leaves, and olive oil in a bowl. Cook the pasta until al dente, drain, and toss it with the caprese mixture. Create nests on plates and garnish with extra basil leaves and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.

3. Pesto Chicken Nest Pasta:
Cook chicken breast in a skillet until browned and cooked through. Remove from the pan and slice into thin strips. In the same pan, sauté cherry tomatoes until they release their juices. Stir in pesto sauce and cooked pasta, tossing to combine. Place the pasta nests on plates and top with the sliced chicken.

4. Primavera Nest Pasta:
Sauté an assortment of vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, broccoli, and carrots until tender-crisp. Toss the cooked pasta with the vegetables, a little olive oil, and grated Parmesan cheese. Shape the pasta into nests and serve hot.

5. Creamy Mushroom Nest Pasta:
In a skillet, melt butter and sauté sliced mushrooms until golden brown. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute. Stir in heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and cooked pasta. Allow the sauce to thicken slightly before forming the nests on plates.

6. Spicy Arrabbiata Nest Pasta:
In a pan, cook crushed tomatoes, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of sugar until the sauce thickens. Toss the cooked pasta in the spicy arrabbiata sauce and form nests on plates. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese.

7. Carbonara Nest Pasta:
Cook diced pancetta or bacon until crispy. In a bowl, whisk together eggs, grated Parmesan cheese, black pepper, and a little salt. Toss the cooked pasta with the pancetta and then combine with the egg mixture. The residual heat from the pasta will cook the eggs, creating a creamy sauce. Form the pasta into nests and sprinkle with additional Parmesan cheese.

Q&A:

1. Can I use regular spaghetti instead of angel hair nest pasta?
– Yes, regular spaghetti can be used as a substitute, but the cooking time may vary.

2. Can I use frozen shrimp for the Lemon Garlic Shrimp Nest Pasta?
– Yes, thaw the shrimp before sautéing them in the garlic and lemon mixture.

3. What other vegetables can I use in the Primavera Nest Pasta?
– You can use any vegetables of your choice, such as peas, asparagus, or cauliflower.

4. How can I make the Creamy Mushroom Nest Pasta vegetarian?
– Substitute the chicken broth in the sauce with vegetable broth and omit the Parmesan cheese if desired.

5. Can I make the Carbonara Nest Pasta without eggs?
– Yes, you can omit the eggs and instead toss the cooked pasta with cream and grated Parmesan cheese.

6. How do I prevent the Carbonara Nest Pasta from becoming scrambled eggs?
– Remove the pan from the heat before adding the egg mixture and toss the pasta quickly to prevent the eggs from cooking too much.

7. Can I add extra spice to the Spicy Arrabbiata Nest Pasta?
– Absolutely! Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes according to your desired level of spiciness.