Pasta Almanac

The difference

Vermicelli vs Capellini

Both are fine round strands, but capellini, angel hair, is the finest there is, while vermicelli sits near a standard spaghetti. Capellini cooks in a minute and wants the lightest broth or oil, vermicelli takes a fuller sauce.

Gouache illustration of Vermicelli

Vermicelli

Family
Long strands
Size
2.08 to 2.14 mm across
Surface
Smooth
Cook
12 to 14 min

Wants: Tomato sauce, Garlic and oil, Clams

Gouache illustration of Capellini

Capellini

Family
Long strands
Size
0.85 to 0.92 mm across
Surface
Smooth
Cook
2 to 4 min

Wants: Garlic and oil, Butter and sage, Tomato sauce

Compare more shapes, or look up Vermicelli and Capellini in full.