Angel Hair Pasta vs Spaghetti (Cost, Recipes & Taste)

Pasta, pasta, pasta! Who doesn’t love a big helping of spaghetti or angel hair covered in sauce for dinner?

But which is better for what you’re cooking for dinner tonight: angel hair pasta or spaghetti?

The answer might be more complicated than it seems at first glance, and it can also depend on what dish you’re cooking.

Generally speaking, the flavor of angel hair pasta and spaghetti is similar. However, angel hair pasta has a slightly more delicate taste while spaghetti’s taste is more robust. Angel hair pasta is often thinner and lighter in calories, while spaghetti is thicker and heartier. The health benefits of both types of pasta are similar, but the carbohydrate count in spaghetti is higher than that of angel hair.

In the end, it all comes down to personal preference and what you’re cooking. But there are a few critical differences between angel hair pasta and spaghetti you should know about.

Keep reading to find out the differences between angel hair pasta vs. spaghetti!

Does Angel Hair Pasta Taste Different Than Spaghetti?

The main difference between angel hair pasta and spaghetti is their thickness, but this does not affect the taste significantly.

In fact, both types of noodles go very well with the same toppings and sauces.

Angel hair pasta tends to be thinner than spaghetti. This results in angel hair maintaining its light weight even when cooked al dente.

On the other hand, spaghetti is much thicker and heartier. It has a chewier consistency when cooked al dente.

Since the two dishes are made using different types of wheat, they also have slightly different textures and tastes.

For example, angel hair pasta tends to be more delicate in texture, while spaghetti is thicker and more filling.

Spaghetti has a slightly more robust flavor than angel hair pasta because it is thicker and heartier.

Which Is Thinner: Angel Hair or Spaghetti?

Angel hair pasta is thinner than spaghetti.

Even though spaghetti is thicker than angel hair, both types of pasta are very similar in terms of calorie count and carbohydrate content when it comes to a full serving of pasta.

Can You Substitute Angel Hair for Spaghetti?

The main difference between angel hair pasta and spaghetti is their thickness, but this does not affect the taste of either dish.

Therefore, you can easily substitute one for the other in any recipe.

For example, you can use angel hair pasta to make carbonara or meat sauce dishes that are typically paired with spaghetti noodles.

You will also find that angel hair pasta is excellent paired with tomato-based sauces and pesto.

Therefore, angel hair pasta can be used in place of spaghetti when a recipe calls for it, and vice versa.

Nutritional Value of Angel Hair Pasta vs. Spaghetti

Both spaghetti and angel hair pasta are excellent sources of carbohydrates. They both have almost the same number of calories per serving, but there are a few differences that you should keep in mind.

Spaghetti and angel hair pasta both contain the same amount of protein.

Angel hair pasta is thinner than spaghetti, which means it will have fewer calories per individual noodle. Per serving, however, the calories are the same since you will need more angel hair pasta noodles than spaghetti noodles to make up a single serving.

Health Benefits of Angel Hair Pasta

Angel hair pasta is very low in calories and carbohydrates, which makes it a great choice for weight loss or management.

Here is the full nutritional breakdown of angel hair pasta:

The light, airy texture also aids in digestion, making angel hair pasta easier on the stomach.

Angel hair pasta is also very low in fat content, which makes it ideal for anyone looking to improve their lipid profile without giving up on favorite types of food.

Fiber-rich fresh vegetables are one of the best accompaniments for angel hair or spaghetti because they will add fiber and nutrients while lightening up the dish.

Health Benefits of Spaghetti

Spaghetti can be a great meal option for weight loss.

Individual strands are long enough to make spaghetti feel filling without having too many calories or carbohydrates.

Spaghetti is also very low in fat content, making it good for the heart and overall health.

Here is the full nutritional breakdown of spaghetti:

Remember that you should always pair spaghetti with healthy vegetables because it is a heavy, dense dish.

The nutrients in vegetables will make you feel fuller and more satisfied while providing your body with much-needed antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.

How much do Angel Hair Pasta and Spaghetti Cost?

The cost of angel hair pasta vs spaghetti is almost exactly the same, though for some brands it will vary by up to $0.60 between the two kinds of pasta.

Here is a table comparing the costs of angel hair pasta vs. spaghetti for a 16 oz box from some of the major pasta brands:

Alternative Pasta Types

There are several other kinds of pasta that are similar to angel hair pasta and spaghetti in size and shape.

Vermicelli (also called thin spaghetti) –  pasta that is thinner than spaghetti and slightly shorter. In between spaghetti and angel hair pasta in diameter.

Linguine – angel hair pasta made with a different shape to create thin, flat noodles.

Fettuccine – thicker version of linguine, but made with the same kind of pasta and shape.

Tagliatelle –  square-shaped thicker noodles.

Pappardelle – wide, flat pasta usually served with creamy sauces.

Bucatini –  hollow spaghetti

What is Angel Hair Pasta?

Angel hair pasta is a skinny, delicate pasta that most people use in soups and salads.

The name itself comes from the appearance of the pasta. It is extremely thin and light, like angel hair or spider webs, and the noodles can be as fine as .78 mm wide.

The thin, delicate noodles are very low in calorie and carbohydrates.

Because of its thin consistency, it is best to pair angel hair pasta with light cream sauces and seafood. It also goes very well with vegetables and lighter meat dishes.

How to Cook Angel Hair Pasta

Cooking angel hair pasta is very easy.

Bring a large pot of water to boil. Add salt and oil if desired, but it’s not necessary.

Carefully add the angel hair noodles. Be careful because they are extremely thin and can break easily!

Let cook until al dente, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes.

Properly cooking angel hair pasta does not take much time. However, if the noodles are cooked too long, they will become mushy.

Now, what should you pair your angel hair pasta with?

Best Angel Hair Pasta Recipes

Angel hair pasta pairs extremely well with light cream sauces and seafood because of its thin consistency. You can also pair it with vegetables and lighter meat dishes for the same reason.

Here are some ideas of great dishes to cook with angel hair pasta:

1.Angel Hair Pasta with Garlic and Herbs –  This is a delicious and simple dish that goes great with vegetables and chicken or seafood. Here is a simple recipe for this angel hair pasta dish:

1. Boil a large pot of salted water
2. While you’re waiting, heat olive oil in a small saucepan and add 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh herbs 3 cloves sliced garling, and 1/8 teaspoon chili pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute and remove from heat.
3. Cook pasta according to package directions.
4. Combine pasta and herbs.

Recipe source: Simply Recipes

2.Creamy Tomato Angel Hair Pasta – This creamy pasta dish blends the tanginess of tomatoes with garlic and basil for a rich, flavorful taste.

3.Shrimp Scampi with Angel Hair Pasta – an easy shrimp scampi recipe perfect for any time of the year.

4.Creamy Angel Hair Pasta with Bacon and Shrimp –  This recipe uses angel hair pasta to soak up the rich cream sauce flavored with bacon, garlic, and shrimp.

5.Italian Chicken Pasta Salad With Angel Hair – is an excellent dish all year round, but it’s particularly excellent in the summertime when tomatoes are fresh.

What is Spaghetti?

Spaghetti is a long, thin pasta that originated in Italy. It came from the dialect word (spaghetti), meaning “thin rods.”

Spaghetti is a type of pasta that is very similar to angel hair. The main difference between the two noodles is that spaghetti is thicker and heartier.

Spaghetti is made from durum wheat. Because of this, it tends to be high in carbohydrates and low in fiber and protein.

However, because it is a long, thin pasta, it also has a similar calorie count and carbohydrate content as angel hair.

How to Cook Spaghetti

Cooking spaghetti is easy because of its high durability. It will not break like many other types of pasta, such as angel hair.

Bring a large pot of water to boil with salt and oil if desired. Carefully add the spaghetti noodles.

Let cook until al dente or your desired consistency, usually 8-12 minutes.

Best Spaghetti Recipes

Spaghetti goes excellent with many different foods because it pairs well with both light and hearty flavors.

Spaghetti is traditionally used with meatballs, marinara sauce, or pesto. However, it can easily be paired with vegetables or seafood as well.

Here are some ideas of great dishes to cook with spaghetti:

1.Spaghetti bolognese –  A classic dish from northern Italy that can be eaten as a meal or as a side. Here is a simple spaghetti bolognese recipe to use:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add 1 large onion (diced) and sauted for 2-3 minutes until lightly golden. Add 3 cloves mined garlic and sautee an additional minute.
2. Add 1 pound ground beef and cook until fully cooked.
3. Ad 28 oz crush tomatoes and chopped parsley and bring to a boil. Season with salt and pepper and reduce to a simmer for 15 minutes.
4. Cook spaghetti according to package directions.
5. Combine and eat!

Recipe Source: Erren’s Kitchen

2.Spaghetti carbonara –   A delicious Italian pasta dish with bacon, eggs, Parmesan cheese, and pepper.

3.Spaghetti and meatballs – A classic dish that is always a crowd-pleaser.

4.Spaghetti Pomodoro –  An easy spaghetti recipe with tomato sauce, basil leaves, garlic, and more.

5.Spaghetti Alle Vongole – A traditional Italian spaghetti dish with clams and white wine.

Final Considerations

We hope you’ve enjoyed this brief look at angel hair vs spaghetti pasta and that it has helped broaden your culinary horizons.

Remember: Angel hair pasta is thinner than spaghetti.

Because angel hair is thinner than spaghetti, each individual noodle is fewer calories and carbohydrates than spaghetti, but they have the same nutritional value for a single serving.

Spaghetti has a slightly more robust taste and chewier texture than angel hair pasta.

This makes it a great candidate for dishes with strong sauces such as spaghetti and meatballs, marinara sauce, or pesto, while Angel hair pasta is ideal for light cream sauces and seafood.

If you have any questions about the differences between these two types of noodles, please leave them in the comments section below.

Keren Tayler

My name is Keren Tayler. I am a stay-at-home mama to three lovely girls, Sarah + Rachel + Hannah. Prior to becoming a mom, I had a successful career in the accounting field, steps away from becoming a CPA. I decided to give up on my career in order to raise my own kids (as opposed to letting a nanny do it, no judgment here :)) I learned a lot and I love sharing it with other moms.  Along the way, I also became a Certified Food Handler.