Question for Mom

Angel Hair Pasta (left), Vermicelli (right)

What’s the difference between angel hair pasta and vermicelli?—Julie P.

The thinness of the noodles.  Vermicelli is a skinny version of spaghetti and cooks in 6-to-7 minutes.  Angel hair pasta, which is known as Capelli d'Angelo in Italy, is even skinnier and cooks in 4-5 minutes.  Using a pasta measuring device, I found that 1 serving of vermicelli is made up of 130 dry noodles, while 1 serving of angel hair pasta is made up of 200 dry noodles.

Angel Hair Pasta (left), Vermicelli (right)

Because it’s so fragile, angel hair pasta is sometimes sold swirled up in bunches that look like bird’s nests.  Both noodles need a light sauce such as marinara or pesto sauce.

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