Angel Hair Pasta

Store dry pasta in a cool, dry cupboard in an airtight container. Properly stored dry angel hair pasta keeps indefinitely. Cooked pasta should be refrigerated and used within 3–5 days.

Cook angel hair in plenty of salted boiling water to prevent sticking.

Start checking for doneness at the lower end of the package time—it cooks fast and can overcook quickly.

Reserve pasta water before draining; a splash helps emulsify light sauces.

Pair with delicate sauces: olive oil, garlic, fresh herbs, light seafood, or thin tomato sauces work best.

Toss immediately with sauce to prevent clumping as it cools.

Overcooking—angel hair goes from al dente to mushy in seconds.

Using heavy, cream-based sauces that overwhelm the delicate noodle.

Not using enough water or salt when cooking; both help prevent sticking.

Letting cooked pasta sit without sauce; it clumps as it cools.