To discuss ingredients further – Chimichurri Sauce is known for its zesty qualities originating from Argentina, traditionally used as an accompaniment to grilled meats. This fantastic mixture mixes fresh parsley, garlic, vinegar, oregano, and red pepper flakes into a medley of bold flavors that are both tangy and slightly spicy- an addictive combination! Meanwhile, Angel Hair Pasta is renowned for being part of the pasta family due to its thin strands, making it perfect when paired with chimichurri thanks to them absorbing flavor so well.
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Ingredients Spotlight: Chimichurri Sauce and Angel Hair Pasta
For the uninitiated, chimichurri is a zesty, herbaceous sauce originating from Argentina, traditionally used to accompany grilled meats. It’s a colorful blend of fresh parsley, garlic, vinegar, oregano, and red pepper flakes, resulting in a medley of flavors that is tangy, slightly spicy, and addictive.
On the other hand, Angel Hair Pasta is the thinnest of the pasta family. Its delicate strands cook quickly, absorbing flavors beautifully, making it a perfect canvas for the chimichurri’s vibrant essence.
Customizing Your One Pan Angel Hair Chimichurri Pasta
When it comes to a one-pan pasta dish the options are endless. But why not start with a classic and customize from there? Begin with sautéing the pasta in Chimichurri butter, allowing it to soak up that tangy and herbaceous flavor.
Add Shrimp:
But if you’re looking to mix things up, add some grilled shrimp for a touch of the sea. The smoky depth of the shrimp perfectly balances out the tangy pasta.
Creamy Chimichurri Pasta:
But maybe you’re in the mood for something creamy. No problem.
Simply swirl in heavy cream after cooking your pasta in Chimichurri butter for a velvety twist that marries together creaminess and tanginess.
Chimichurri Pasta Salad:
And if you’re looking for a picnic-ready dish, consider making One Pan Angel Hair Chimichurri Pasta Salad.
Cool down your cooked pasta and toss it with diced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and feta cheese for a refreshing dish perfect for alfresco dining.
Swap the chimichurri sauce:
For fresh pesto, marinated olive oil, a store-bought chimichurri, or marinated mozzarella.
Whether you stick with the basics or mix things up with some customization, One Pan Angel Hair Chimichurri Pasta is sure to be a crowd-pleaser on any occasion.
Follow these expert tips, and you’ll be able to create it effortlessly
- Freshness is key when it comes to making chimichurri butter. Fresh parsley and oregano are non-negotiable ingredients if you want to experience the full vibrancy of this dish.
- Give your butter time to rest in the fridge beforehand – this simple step makes all the difference.
- Don’t forget about seasoning while cooking your pasta! It’s essential for creating an irresistibly tasty dish that everyone will love.
- Cooking the angel hair directly in the pan ensures every mouthful is saturated with all those amazing flavors.
- Lastly, watch your angel hair pasta it’s thin so keep an eye on it as you cook it to prevent it from overcooking. It’s not an ingredient that you can set and forget it. Ensure the water is boiling before adding the angel hair pasta to the pan.
FAQs
But what if you’re pressed for time? Top Time-Saving Tips
No problem! Instead, use fresh herbs, mortar, and pestle to whip up a speedy chimichurri-style sauce.
Making your chimichurri butter is easier than you might think! After straining your pasta, add some butter to the pan along with fresh herbs like parsley and oregano, minced garlic, vinegar, chili flakes, or fresh chopped red chili pepper. This will create an incredibly flavorful and aromatic sauce reminiscent of classic chimichurri. You can call this a deconstructed chimichurri angel hair pasta.
Can I Use Store-bought Chimichurri Sauce?
Absolutely! However, chimichurri is traditionally made with oil. Instead, skip the butter, mix the store-bought chimichurri sauce, and mix it with the al dente angel hair pasta. If you still want butter, top it off with a tsp of butter and freshly grated parmesan cheese. Delicious!
Help! I can’t find store-bought chimichurri; what can I use instead of chimichurri?
If you’re having difficulty finding a store-bought chimichurri sauce similar to trader joe’s, try these alternatives:
Pesto: Pesto is another great option for a similarly herbaceous taste when all else fails. While not quite the same as chimichurri butter mixing pesto with butter will create a rich and creamy sauce that your whole family will love.
Marinated fresh mozzarella – pour the marinade on the angel hair pasta, and serve with the fresh mozzarella balls, and enjoy!
Garlic butter: Why not try using garlic butter instead? Simply grate or finely chop 2-4 cloves of garlic (based on preference) or roast garlic in the oven with extra virgin olive oil, and add that to softened butter, and smother it on the angel hair pasta. Add a couple of fresh basil leaves, and serve immediately.
Herb-infused olive oil: Try garlic-infused olive oil, or spice-infused olive oil, add fresh or dried oregano. It’s not as herbaceous as chimichurri, but it will add flavor to the pasta.
With these alternatives, a quick and delicious one-pan pasta dish is within easy reach, even when you’re short on time!
Note: See detailed Quantities and Instructions Below:
Instructions: How to Make The Simplest One-Pan Chimichurri Pasta
Tip!
Make sure your ingredients are within arm’s reach once you start to cook the pasta, it will take less than 10 minutes from start to finish. This dish should be enjoyed immediately.
Step One
Start by boiling some salted water in a medium-sized sauté pan.
Step Two
Add some angel hair pasta and keep an eye on it, as this thin pasta cooks quickly! Test periodically until it reaches an ‘al dente’ consistency – still firm when bitten.
Once cooked, drain the water with care. When preparing any savory pasta dish at home there are often little tricks that can help take things from simple ‘good’ to truly ‘great’.
One way is by utilizing some of the starchy water from your cooked noodles. Simply reserve around one cup of this water, and you’ll be surprised at the depth it adds to your finished product. Do this by draining and leaving about a cup of water in the pan.
Step Three
To start off add a tablespoon or more (depending on your own preferences) of chimichurri butter into your pot while it is still on the heat. This will begin to melt and incorporate with your pasta and reserved liquid, resulting in a light and flavorful sauce that coats each strand evenly.
Step Four
Make sure to keep tossing or stirring for another minute or so until everything is well combined then take it all off the heat.
You now have a fantastic one-pan angel hair chimichurri pasta that’s ready for serving! For maximum taste and texture, dish it up right away and consider adding some chopped fresh herbs on top for an added pop of color.
Step Five
To transform an ordinary dish into something extraordinary, consider finishing it off with a light dusting of grated Parmesan cheese – its delightful blend of salt and nuttiness is bound to impress even the most discerning palate.
If you’re one who enjoys bold flavors add some extra oomph with a sprinkling of fiery red chili pepper flakes. As always feel free to tweak these toppings as per your personal liking.
Angel Hair Chimichurri Pasta
Equipment
- 1 Medium Sized Saute Pan
- 1 Tongs
- 1 Grater
- 1 Pairing Knife
Ingredients
- 4 cups Filtered Water
- 1 tsp Salt
- 4 oz Angel Hair Pasta Organic
- 2 tbsp Chimichurri Compound Butter 2 Rounds (or coins)
Garnish
- 1 tsp Cilantro and Parsley Leaves
- 1 tsp Grated Parmesan Cheese
Instructions
- Step OneBegin by bringing a medium-sized sauté pan to a boil. Add a generous amount of salt to the water (enough to make the water salty) – this is an important step, as the salted water will flavor the pasta as it cooks. As soon as the water reaches a rolling boil, introduce the angel hair pasta. The thin strands of this pasta will cook relatively quickly, so keep a close eye on them to ensure they maintain their delicate texture.
- Step TwoTest your pasta periodically until it reaches an 'al dente' consistency – this means the pasta is cooked so it is still firm when bitten. At this point, carefully drain the water from the pan. However, be sure to reserve about a cup of the pasta water. This starchy water is a secret weapon in pasta dishes, helping to marry the sauce and pasta beautifully.
- Step ThreeNext, add a tablespoon (or more) of the aromatic chimichurri butter to the pasta according to your serving size and flavor preferences. The combination of herbs and spices in this butter will gradually blend with the pasta and the reserved water, resulting in a delicate yet tasty sauce that adheres to every strand of pasta.Average about 1 round or coin of compound chimichurri butter per two servings.
- Step FourContinue to cook the pasta on the stovetop for another minute or so, tossing or stirring the pasta to ensure that the chimichurri butter and pasta water emulsify into a silky sauce and that the flavors permeate every bite of the pasta.
- Step FiveFinally, remove your pan from the heat. Your one-pan angel hair chimichurri pasta is ready to serve! Dish it up immediately for the best taste and texture, and garnish with fresh herbs for added aroma and a pop of green color. A generous grating of Parmesan cheese will add a welcome salty, nutty note to the dish, and for those who love a little heat, a sprinkling of red chili pepper flakes will provide a spicy kick. Adjust these toppings according to your personal preference.
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