What Sauce Goes with Angel Hair Pasta? (13 Sauces)

If you don’t know what sauce goes with angel hair pasta, you’re in for a treat.

Because I’m about to show you 13 delicious options that will take your pasta game to the next level.

And trust me, your family and friends will be impressed.

So go ahead and give one (or all) of these a try!

What Sauce Goes with Angel Hair Pasta?

The best sauces to pair with angel hair pasta are light and delicate sauces that won’t overwhelm the thinner noodles. Think Alfredo sauce, garlic and olive oil, or a simple tomato sauce. If you’re looking for something a little more unique, try a pesto sauce or carbonara.

Still looking for ideas?

No worries!

Here are 13 sauces that go well with angel hair pasta:

1. Bang Bang Sauce

Not just for meats, this addicting sauce is perfect for angel hair pasta.

It’s sweet, slightly spicy, and has a creamy texture that clings to every noodle.

I like to keep things simple when I make this dish and just use jarred red pepper flakes, but you could easily swap in fresh diced peppers or even a pinch of cayenne for extra heat.

For a bit of color and sweetness, I’ll sometimes mix in a handful of frozen peas or corn.

And if you’re looking for an extra-special touch, top with some crispy fried shallots or onions.

2. Marinara Sauce

Nobody will go home hungry when you serve this saucy, flavorful marinara over angel hair pasta.

This classic Italian sauce is so easy to make, and it’s packed with fresh herbs and spices.

For a change of pace, try serving it over whole wheat pasta, or use it as a dipping sauce for breadsticks or roasted vegetables.

If you’re looking for ways to change up the flavor, texture, and color of this dish, here are a few ideas:

• Add some diced onion or garlic to the sauce for extra flavor.
• Stir in some chopped olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or artichoke hearts.
• Make it creamier by stirring in some shredded mozzarella cheese or a dollop of ricotta.
• Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat.

3. Sweet Onion Sauce (Subway Copycat Recipe)

I bet you know about the popular fast-food chain, Subway.

They are known for their delicious foot-long sandwiches.

But did you know that they also have a secret menu item?

It’s their sweet onion sauce!

This copycat recipe is so easy to make and only requires a few ingredients.

Plus, it’s a great way to change up the flavors of your pasta dish.

To make this sauce even better, you could:

• Add some spice with a teaspoon of red pepper flakes.
• Make it creamier by stirring in a cup of heavy cream.
• Add some color with a handful of chopped sun-dried tomatoes.
• Make it more flavorful by stirring in a tablespoon of chopped fresh herbs (basil, oregano, thyme, etc.)

4. Chimichurri Sauce

Why not add some green color and flavor to your pasta dish with this chimichurri sauce?

It’s made with fresh herbs, olive oil, garlic, and a touch of acidity from red wine vinegar.

It’s the perfect sauce for light angel hair pasta, but would also be delicious on grilled chicken or fish.

To change up the flavor, you could:

• Add some spice with a pinch of red pepper flakes.
• Swap out the red wine vinegar for balsamic vinegar.
• Use cilantro instead of parsley.
• Add a little sweetness with a teaspoon of honey.

5. Mushroom Sauce

I’ve always loved mushroom sauce – it’s rich, earthy, and so versatile.

This particular recipe is made with a blend of fresh and dried mushrooms, shallots, garlic, white wine, and thyme.

It’s the perfect sauce for angel hair pasta, but would also be delicious on rice, quinoa, or even as a dipping sauce for bread.

Here are a few ways you could change up this recipe:

• Add some spice with a pinch of red pepper flakes.
• Make it creamier with the addition of heavy cream or half and half.
• Swap out the white wine for red wine or vegetable broth.
• Use different types of mushrooms for different flavors (shiitake, oyster, cremini, etc.).
• Add in some chopped kale or spinach for extra color and nutrients.

6. General Tso Sauce

This Asian-inspired sauce is the perfect blend of sweet and savory, with a little bit of spice.

It’s super versatile and can be used on everything from rice and noodles to chicken and veggies.

And, it only takes a few minutes to whip up!

To change up the flavor, texture, and color of this sauce, you could:

• Add more or less chili pepper flakes to adjust the spice level.
• Swap out the chicken broth for vegetable broth or water.
• Use brown sugar instead of white sugar for a deeper flavor.
• Add a splash of soy sauce or fish sauce for an umami boost.
• Stir in some cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu for extra protein.
• Mix in a handful of frozen peas or corn for extra color and sweetness.

7. Aji Verde (Spicy Peruvian Green Sauce)

Do you prefer things a little on the spicier side?

If so, you’ll love this aji verde recipe.

Aji verde is a traditional Peruvian green sauce that’s made with ají amarillo peppers, cilantro, and lime juice.

It’s the perfect balance of spicy, tangy, and bright – and it goes great with all kinds of dishes.

Try it on grilled chicken or fish, mixed into quinoa or rice, or as a dipping sauce for roasted potatoes.

To change up the flavor, texture, and color of this sauce, you could:

• Add some chopped avocado for creaminess.
• Swap out the cilantro for parsley or basil.
• Add a splash of white wine or lemon juice for brightness.

8. Sweet and Sour Sauce

Don’t be fooled by its name – this sweet and sour sauce is the perfect balance of both sweet and tangy, and it’s incredibly versatile.

It’s perfect for tossed with angel hair pasta, but it would also be delicious on chicken, fish, or rice.

To change up the flavor, you could:

• Add a teaspoon of sriracha or diced jalapeño for some spice.
• Mix in a tablespoon of creamy peanut butter for an extra-rich flavor.
• Stir in a handful of frozen peas or corn for extra color and sweetness.
• Top with chopped green onions or cilantro for a fresh garnish.

9. Honey BBQ Sauce

A little sweeter than regular BBQ sauce, honey BBQ sauce is the perfect finishing touch to any grilled chicken or pork dish.

And it’s so easy to make at home! Just mix together a few simple ingredients and you’re done.

If you want to change up the flavor, you could:

• Add a tablespoon of sriracha for a little heat.
• Stir in a teaspoon of smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
• Mix in a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar for a tangy taste.
• Use brown sugar instead of honey for a deeper, richer flavor.
• Add some chopped fresh cilantro for a bright, fresh finish.

10. Chili Tahini Lime Sauce

This sauce has a bit of everything – it’s creamy, tangy, slightly sweet, and has a bit of a kick from the chili flakes.

It’s perfect for dressing up a simple plate of pasta, or using as a dipping sauce for veggies or bread.

To change up the flavor, you could:

• Add more or less chili flakes to taste.
• Swap out the tahini for almond butter or peanut butter.
• Use lime juice instead of lemon juice.
• Add a splash of soy sauce or fish sauce for an umami boost.
• Mix in some chopped fresh herbs like cilantro, parsley, or basil.

To change up the texture and/or color, you could:

• Add a splash of water (or milk) to thin it out.
• Stir in some cooked and mashed beans for extra creaminess and protein.
• Top with chopped nuts or seeds for crunch.

11. Honey Mustard Sauce

Ah, honey mustard sauce.

It’s the perfect balance of sweet and tangy, and it goes well with so many different dishes.

This honey mustard sauce recipe is super simple to make, and it can be easily customized to your liking.

To change up the flavor, you could:

• Add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard for a more pronounced tang.
• Use white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar in place of the lemon juice.
• Add a tablespoon of honey for a sweeter sauce.
• Swap out the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt or sour cream for a tangier sauce.

12. Alfredo Sauce

If you prefer a thick and creamy sauce, this classic alfredo sauce recipe is for you.

But if you’re looking for something a little lighter, you could try one of these variations:

• Add some cooked chicken, shrimp, or diced ham to make it a main dish.
• Stir in a handful of frozen peas or corn for extra color and sweetness.
• Make it spicy with a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño.
• Swap out the pasta for zucchini noodles (See Also: What Sauce Goes with Zucchini Noodles) or spaghetti squash to make it gluten-free or low-carb.
• Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley for garnish.

13. Pesto Sauce

Pesto comes with a bold and flavorful taste, and it can enhance the taste of your pasta dish.

You can use it with other dishes as well.

It is a sauce made of basil, garlic, olive oil, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, and salt.

All of these ingredients are blended together to form a thick paste.

To give your pesto pasta dish more flavor:

• Add diced tomatoes
• Mix in some cooked chicken or shrimp
• Stir in a handful of frozen peas or corn
• Top with shredded Parmesan cheese or diced avocado

To change up the texture and color:

• Replace the angel hair pasta with another type of pasta such as rigatoni or fusilli
• Make pesto pasta with zucchini noodles or spiralized sweet potato noodles for a gluten-free or low-carb option
• Use a green pesto instead of red for a more healthful version
• Use different types of basil, such as Thai basil or cilantro
• Add in other herbs such as dill or thyme