Ingredients Capellini vs Spaghetti comparison in 25 Facts by Alex Bayev May 22, 2023 May 22, 2023 64 views 64 Pasta, a beloved and versatile staple of Italian cuisine, comes in a plethora of shapes and sizes. Among the wide range of pasta types, capellini and spaghetti hold a special place in the hearts of pasta lovers. To the untrained eye, they may seem similar, but these two styles of pasta have distinct attributes that make them unique. In this article, we delve into the captivating world of capellini and spaghetti, exploring their differences and similarities in cooking and eating experiences. Main Differences At the core, both capellini and spaghetti are long, thin, cylindrical types of pasta. However, capellini, also referred to as “angel hair,” is much thinner compared to spaghetti. This difference in thickness not only influences their texture but also affects cooking times and the type of sauces and dishes they are commonly paired with. Capellini, due to its slender strands, cooks quickly and works best with light, thin sauces. In contrast, spaghetti, being thicker, takes longer to cook and pairs well with heavier, chunkier sauces. Furthermore, spaghetti is more universally recognized and utilized, while capellini is slightly less known and used. Nutrition Comparison Nutrition ComponentCapellini (per 100g)Spaghetti (per 100g)Calories370371Protein13g13gCarbohydrates74g75gDietary Fiber3.2g3.5gSugars2.7g2.8gFat1.5g1.5gSodium7mg7mgPotassium186mg194mgIron15% DV15% DVCalcium2% DV2% DV Note: These values are approximate and may vary based on the brand. 25 Facts About Differences and Similarities 1. Origin Both capellini and spaghetti hail from Italy, known for its diverse range of pasta types. 2. Thickness Capellini, as one of the thinnest forms of pasta, is considerably thinner than spaghetti. Its thin strands provide a delicate texture when cooked. 3. Cooking Time Due to its thinness, capellini cooks significantly faster than spaghetti. The usual cooking time for capellini is 2-3 minutes, while spaghetti typically takes around 9-11 minutes. 4. Preferred Sauces Capellini’s slender strands make it a great partner for light, delicate sauces, such as simple olive oil-based sauces or thin tomato sauces. In contrast, spaghetti, with its sturdier body, can handle heavier, meatier sauces like Bolognese or carbonara. 5. Regional Usage While both types of pasta are used widely in Italian cuisine, spaghetti is more universally known and used. Capellini, while popular, isn’t quite as ubiquitous. 6. Versatility in Dishes Spaghetti’s thickness and texture make it versatile for a wide range of dishes from spaghetti and meatballs to pasta salads. Capellini’s delicate texture makes it suited for less heavy dishes. 7. Tolerance for Overcooking Spaghetti, being thicker, is less prone to becoming overly soft or mushy when overcooked. In contrast, capellini, due to its thinness, can easily become too soft if not carefully monitored during cooking. 8. Shapes in Packaging Capellini is often found in shorter strands and packaged in nests due to its delicate structure. Spaghetti is usually found in longer strands. 9. Pairing with Ingredients Capellini goes well with ingredients like seafood, vegetables, or lean proteins due to its lightness. Spaghetti can handle heavier ingredients such as ground meat or hearty vegetables. 10. Nutritional Value The nutritional values of capellini and spaghetti are almost identical, with minor differences in carbohydrate and fiber content. 11. Broth Usage Capellini is often used in soups and broths because it provides a pleasing texture without being too filling. Spaghetti is less commonly used in soups. 12. Popularity in Traditional Dishes Spaghetti is the star in iconic dishes like Spaghetti alla Carbonara or Spaghetti alla Puttanesca. Capellini doesn’t have as many traditional dishes associated with it but is loved nonetheless. 13. Baking Suitability Spaghetti, due to its thickness and ability to hold its shape, is often used in baked pasta dishes. Capellini is not usually used for baking. 14. Use in Stir-Fries While not traditional, spaghetti is often used as a substitute for Asian noodles in stir-fries. Capellini can also be used for this purpose but requires a more careful cooking approach due to its thinness. 15. Gluten Content Both capellini and spaghetti are traditionally made from durum wheat semolina and contain gluten. However, gluten-free options are available for both types of pasta. 16. Taste and Texture The taste of capellini and spaghetti is similar, but the texture differs due to their thickness. Capellini provides a delicate, light mouthfeel, while spaghetti is more substantial and chewy. 17. Cold Salad Usage Spaghetti is often used in cold pasta salads due to its ability to maintain texture even when cooled. Capellini can also be used but tends to clump together more when cooled. 18. Italian Cultural Significance While both are significant in Italian cuisine, spaghetti holds a slightly more iconic status due to its prominence in popular culture and worldwide recognition. 19. Usage in Kids’ Meals Spaghetti is more commonly used in children’s meals due to its popularity and easy-to-eat format. Capellini, while also used, is a bit more delicate for young diners to handle. 20. Preferred Cooking Method Both capellini and spaghetti are usually boiled in salted water for cooking. However, capellini requires close attention due to its quick cooking time. 21.Cling to Sauce The thin strands of capellini can be coated easily by sauces. Spaghetti, being thicker, provides more surface area for sauces to cling to. 22. Use in Casseroles Spaghetti is often used in casserole dishes due to its sturdy structure. Capellini is less commonly used in such dishes due to its delicate texture. 23. Cost and Availability Both capellini and spaghetti are cost-effective and widely available in supermarkets worldwide. 24. Variations There are several variations of spaghetti, such as whole wheat or spinach spaghetti, available in the market. Capellini also comes in variations like whole wheat. 25. Dietary Accommodation Both capellini and spaghetti have versions made from alternative grains to accommodate specific dietary requirements, such as gluten-free or high-protein diets. By understanding these differences and similarities between capellini and spaghetti, you can choose the right type of pasta for your dish, adding an authentic touch to your culinary creations. Enjoy experimenting with these two delightful forms of pasta and discover a world of delicious possibilities. PinYumTweetShareTelegramVibeFlip0 Shares Leave a Comment Cancel Reply Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Recipe Rating Recipe Rating Δ You may also like A Voyage of Vegetables: Savoy Cabbage Substitutes and... The Ultimate Guide to Navy Beans Substitutes The Ultimate Guide to Fresh Cilantro Substitutions: Unlocking... In Search of a Substitute: Exploring Alternatives to... The Perfect Swap: Your Guide to Pearl Onion... The Ultimate Guide to Finding the Perfect Cipollini... Unearthing the Best Substitutes for Chayote Squash: An... Spicing It Up: Best Alternatives for Poblano Peppers The Sweet Spot: Best Golden Syrup Substitutes for... Spice Up Your Life: Mastering the Art of... Alex Bayev Hi, I'm Alex Bayev, bayevskitchen.com founder and food blogger who is passionate about cooking and photography. Since starting my blog in 2015, I have been sharing simple yet elegant recipes made with high-quality ingredients that anyone can recreate at home. I believe that food has the power to create unforgettable experiences.