25-Minute Angel Hair Pasta with Chicken (So Simple!)

It is 6pm. You are tired. Dinner needs to happen fast. This angel hair pasta with chicken is your new secret weapon.

This dish is light, fresh, and incredibly satisfying. It delivers a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen. You can have it on the table in just 25 minutes. It is the perfect solution for those busy weeknights when everyone is hungry.

Why This Recipe Is a Winner

This recipe works because it uses simple pantry staples. You likely have most of these ingredients in your kitchen right now. The thin pasta cooks in a flash. The chicken stays tender and juicy in the skillet.

It is a fantastic choice for kid-approved meals. Picky eaters love the mild flavors and the fun, thin noodles. You get a balanced meal without any fuss. It is fresh enough for spring but cozy enough for any night.

Simple Cooking Steps

Making this dish is very straightforward. You will sear the chicken while the water boils. The pasta only needs a few minutes to cook. Everything comes together in one large skillet at the end. It is beginner-friendly and hard to mess up.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Fresh ingredients make this simple dish shine. Grab some fresh parsley and a lemon to brighten the flavors.

• 12 ounces angel hair pasta
• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh Italian parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Season the chicken pieces with half of the salt and black pepper.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, approximately 5 to 7 minutes.
5. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet.
6. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
7. Add the angel hair pasta to the boiling water.
8. Cook according to package directions, typically 2 to 3 minutes until al dente.
9. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
10. Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the chicken and garlic.
11. Toss in the parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and fresh parsley.
12. Add reserved pasta water as needed to create a light sauce.
13. Season with the remaining salt and pepper to taste.
14. Serve immediately.

Best Ways to Enjoy It

Serve this angel hair pasta with chicken in shallow bowls. A side of crusty garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the oil. You could also serve it with a crisp green salad. It makes a wonderful, light meal for a casual family dinner.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to three days. To reheat, add a splash of water or broth. Warm it gently in a skillet over medium-low heat. This helps the delicate noodles stay tender without drying out.

Tips for Best Results

• Don’t overcook the angel hair pasta; it cooks very fast.
• Use freshly grated parmesan for the best melting and flavor.
• Save that pasta water to make your sauce silky and light.
• Cut your chicken into uniform pieces so they cook evenly.
• Add a handful of fresh spinach at the end for extra greens.
• Squeeze the lemon juice just before serving for a bright finish.
• Always salt your pasta water like the sea for better flavor.

Ways to Switch It Up

• Swap chicken for shrimp for a seafood twist.
• Use gluten-free angel hair pasta to keep it allergy-friendly.
• Add cherry tomatoes during the last minute of sautéing.
• Substitute parsley with fresh basil for a different herbal note.

Common Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work beautifully in this recipe. They are often juicier and very flavorful. Just ensure they are cooked to 165°F.

Is angel hair pasta the same as capellini?

They are very similar thin noodles. Capellini is slightly thicker than angel hair. Both work perfectly for this quick chicken pasta.

I hope this easy meal brings a little calm to your busy weeknight. It is a simple joy to share a fresh, home-cooked plate with the people you love. Happy cooking!

— Lidia

Angel Hair Pasta with Chicken

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Servings 4 servings

Calories 480 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 12 ounces angel hair pasta
• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic , minced
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh Italian parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

 

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Season the chicken pieces with half of the salt and black pepper.
• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, approximately 5 to 7 minutes.
• Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
• Add the angel hair pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package directions, typically 2 to 3 minutes until al dente.
• Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
• Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the chicken and garlic.
• Toss in the parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and fresh parsley, adding the reserved pasta water as needed to create a light sauce.
• Season with the remaining salt and pepper to taste.
• Serve immediately.