capellini
The Italian term for angel hair pasta is capellini.
This phrase refers to a very thin type of pasta made from durum wheat.
Which one should you use?
The phrase capelli d'angelo is also used to mean angel hair pasta.
Did you know?
- While capellini is the standard name, the phrase capelli d'angelo is often viewed as an Americanism. This term gained popularity in Italy largely as a result of the global influence of Italian-American cuisine.
- In Italy, capellini is rarely served with heavy sauces. Because the pasta is so delicate, it is traditionally used in light soups or with a very simple butter and sage emulsion to avoid breaking the strands.
- Italian pasta nomenclature often uses anatomical references to describe size. Capellini follows a pattern where the thickness of the pasta is compared to human hair, while other shapes might be compared to shells or tongues.
Examples in context
- Preferisco i capellini con il pomodoro.I prefer angel hair pasta with tomato.
- Hai comprato i capellini per stasera?Did you buy angel hair pasta for tonight?
- I capellini si cuociono molto velocemente.Angel hair pasta cooks very quickly.
Example conversation
Francesco and Martina are deciding what to cook for dinner.
- FrancescoCosa vogliamo mangiare stasera, Martina?What do we want to eat tonight, Martina?
- MartinaPotremmo fare i capellini alle vongole.We could make angel hair pasta with clams.
- FrancescoOttima idea, Francesco le adora!Great idea, Francesco loves them!
- MartinaAllora inizio a bollire l'acqua.Then I'll start boiling the water.
