Homemade Pasta Roni: Angel Hair with Herbs Recipe

If you’re looking for an easy and tasty weeknight meal, then you’ll love this Homemade Pasta Roni Angel Hair Pasta with Herbs recipe. It only takes a few minutes to prep, and the end result is a delicious and satisfying pasta dish that the whole family will love. 

Pasta Roni is one of those side dishes that remind me so much of my childhood. Pasta Roni is one of those side dishes—just like how I loved lasagna and the other sides to serve with it— that remind me so much of my childhood. My mom would always make it alongside salmon (which I detested at the time), and the creamy garlic noodles always made the meal taste so much better.

While I admit I still occasionally turn to the boxed stuff, I have come up with this homemade Pasta Roni that is absolutely DELICIOUS, and, between you and me, I think it’s even better than the boxed version. So, what are you waiting for! Put this on the meal plan or dinner tonight. You won’t regret it, and this homemade version of pasta roni sure to become a family favorite.

Homemade Pasta Roni Ingredient List

• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 lb angel hair pasta
• 2 tbsp salted butter
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 3/4 cup half and half
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
• Parsley (for topping with)

Instructions

Bring chicken broth to a rolling boil and melt butter in it.

Add in uncooked pasta and cook until al dente over medium heat.

Mix in half and half and parmesan cheese.

Stir constantly over medium-low heat until starts to thicken.

Add in garlic powder, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

Remove from heat and let sit about five minutes.

Serve warm and top with fresh parsley

How can I decrease the amount of fat in this recipe?

If you’re looking to decrease the amount of fat in this recipe, you can substitute half and half for skim milk or low-fat cream. You can also use less butter, or use a light spread. If you’re using full-fat cheese, you could also try a lower fat variety.

Can I use shredded or shaved parmesan cheese?

You definitely can! However, I do find that these varieties tend to get globby, so make sure you incorporate t compeltely and stir well.

Can I use heavy cream instead of half and half?

Yep! It will be creamier and a little more fattening – but definitely delicious!

Should I use fresh herbs or dry herbs?

We made this recipe using dry herbs. However, you are welcome to use fresh if you’d like. Make sure to add less and adjust as needed.

Can I decrease the salt content of this recipe?

Yes you can. You could totally omit the added salt and use less parmesan cheese. I would also recommend using a lower-salt bouillon as well if you are needing a lower sodium dish.

How can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?

If you’re looking to make this recipe vegetarian or vegan, you can substitute the chicken stock for vegetable stock and omit the parmesan cheese. You could also use a vegan cheese substitute. Finally, you could add some sauteed vegetables, like mushrooms, zucchini, or broccoli.

I don’t have Italian seasoning. Can I use something else?

If you don’t have Italian seasoning, you can substitute a combination of oregano, basil, and thyme. You could also just use one or two of these herbs if that’s what you have on hand.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

If you don’t have angel hair pasta, you can substitute any other type of pasta. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly. Obviously it won’t be the same as pasta roni, but can you really go wrong with butter and cheese?!

Can I used unsalted butter?

We use salted butter, but if you’d like to use unsalted to cut back on the content of this recipe, that should be just fine!

What kind of chicken broth do you use?

I use the Better than Bouillon paste with water. You could use any kind of canned or boxed chicken broth or chicken bouillon cubes if you’d like.

How to cook pasta roni in the Instant Pot?

If you want to cook your pasta roni in the Instant Pot, it’s really easy to do!

1. Add all of the ingredients (except for the half and half and parmesan cheese) to the Instant Pot bowl.
2. Cook on manual high pressure for two minutes, then quick release the pressure. Stir in the half and half and parmesan cheese, then serve.

Why didn’t my recipe thicken up?

If your pasta roni didn’t thicken up, it probably didn’t cook long enough. You can try making a slurry with a little bit of corn starch and water to help thicken it while it’s simmering.

What are the different pasta roni flavors?

While there are many different flavors of pasta roni, some of the most popular include garlic, Parmesan, and herb. There are also more unique flavors like sun-dried tomato and basil, four cheese, and spinach artichoke.

How long does homemade pasta roni last?

Homemade pasta roni will last in the fridge for up to four days. If you want it to last longer, you can freeze it in an airtight container for up to three months.

What are some variations for this recipe?

There are many different variations for this homemade pasta roni recipe.

• You could sauté chicken or shrimp to add to it make it a main dish.
• Add bacon bits for some extra protein.
• You could also use a different type of cheese, like white cheddar or mozzarella.
• You could add different seasonings to it, such as smoked paprika or red pepper flakes.
• You could add in tomato sauce.
• Stirring in roasted red peppers or pesto sauce would be absolutely delicious as well.
• Finally, you could add in some sauteed vegetables, like mushrooms, zucchini, or broccoli.

What to eat with pasta roni?

There are many different things you can eat with pasta roni. You could serve it alongside your favorite main course, such as chicken, salmon, or pork chops, or you could add some cut up cooked chicken to the pasta to make it a main dish. You could also eat it as a side dish with a salad or some bread.

More Recipes You Might Enjoy:

• 5 Ingredient BLT Pasta Salad
• 4-Ingredient Pesto Pasta Salad
• Easy Tortellini Pasta Salad
• Easy Baked Zucchini Squash Recipe with Parmesan

This pasta roni parmesan copycat recipe is so much better than the boxed stuff you buy at the store. This side dish recipe really couldn’t be any easier to make and hardly any mess in the end….my kind of meal! Serve it alongside your favorite main course or just add some cut up cooked chicken right to the noodles to make it a main dish.