Shrimp Scampi with Angel Hair Pasta Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that beautifully balances bright, zesty flavors with tender seafood and delicate pasta, you absolutely must try Shrimp Scampi with Angel Hair Pasta. This recipe takes succulent shrimp sautéed in garlic, butter, and lemon juice, then effortlessly marries them with the lightest angel hair pasta to create a meal that feels both elegant and comforting. Whether you’re whipping this up for a special night or a simple weeknight treat, Shrimp Scampi with Angel Hair Pasta shines with its fresh ingredients and quick preparation, making it one of those timeless dishes you’ll want to keep in your culinary rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward but each one plays an essential role in making this Shrimp Scampi with Angel Hair Pasta a standout dish. From the rich butter that builds the sauce to the fresh lemon juice that brightens every bite, each component is crucial to balancing flavor, texture, and color.

• 12 oz angel hair pasta: This ultra-thin pasta cooks quickly and soaks up the sauce beautifully without overpowering the shrimp.
• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined: The star protein, tender and juicy, offering a lovely seafood flavor that melts in your mouth.
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter: Adds richness and creates the luscious scampi sauce that ties everything together.
• 2 tbsp olive oil: Used to sauté the shrimp, it brings a subtle fruitiness and keeps everything from sticking.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic provides that unmistakable aromatic punch that makes shrimp scampi so irresistible.
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional): For just a hint of heat that enlivens the dish without overwhelming it.
• Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential seasoning to enhance the natural flavors of the shrimp and sauce.
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped: Adds vibrant color and a fresh, herbaceous note at the end.
• 2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed): Brightens the sauce with its tangy citrus kick that perfectly balances the butter.
• Lemon wedges: For serving and adding extra zing at the table.

How to Make Shrimp Scampi with Angel Hair Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cooking your angel hair pasta until al dente is essential because this type of pasta is delicate and cooks very fast—usually around 2 minutes. Drain the pasta and be sure to save about half a cup of that flavorful pasta water; it’s a secret weapon for loosening the sauce later on and helping everything stick beautifully.

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp

Next, heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. The fat creates a perfect base for sautéing your shrimp, which should be seasoned simply with salt, black pepper, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you want a bit of warmth. Cook each side of the shrimp for 2 to 3 minutes until they’re a stunning pink and opaque inside. Once cooked, remove them from the skillet and set aside so they don’t overcook while you prepare the sauce.

Step 3: Make the Scampi Sauce

In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and the minced garlic. Let the garlic sauté gently for about a minute until it’s fragrant but not browned—that aroma is what defines scampi! Add in the freshly squeezed lemon juice and ¼ cup of the reserved pasta water, stirring everything together to create a silky, tangy sauce. Then return the shrimp to the pan and toss gently, allowing every piece to be coated in that bright, buttery sauce.

Step 4: Combine with Pasta

Now fold your perfectly cooked angel hair pasta into the skillet with the shrimp and sauce. Give everything a good toss to combine, adding more of the saved pasta water if you want a looser sauce that clings gorgeously to every strand. Finish by sprinkling chopped parsley on top for a fresh pop of color and flavor.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Plate this dreamy Shrimp Scampi with Angel Hair Pasta right away and serve each dish with a wedge of lemon. The juice you squeeze over adds a personal touch of brightness that lifts all the flavors even more.

How to Serve Shrimp Scampi with Angel Hair Pasta

Garnishes

Simple garnishes like freshly chopped parsley and lemon wedges are classic choices for Shrimp Scampi with Angel Hair Pasta. They add a fresh contrast, visually brightening the dish while the lemon wedges let everyone adjust the citrusy zing to their liking.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with light, crisp sides like a garden salad dressed in vinaigrette or sautéed asparagus. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette also makes an excellent companion because you can use it to soak up every last bit of that irresistible scampi sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving the Shrimp Scampi with Angel Hair Pasta in individual bowls garnished with microgreens or edible flowers for color contrast. You can also plate it alongside roasted cherry tomatoes or finish with a drizzle of chili oil for extra depth and a surprising pop of heat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Shrimp Scampi with Angel Hair Pasta is best placed in an airtight container and refrigerated within two hours of cooking. It should keep well for up to 2 days, but for optimal flavor and texture, try to enjoy it as soon as possible since angel hair pasta can soak up sauce and become softer over time.

Freezing

Freezing this dish is possible but not ideal because the texture of the shrimp and pasta may change after thawing. If you must freeze, cool everything completely, store in a freezer-safe container, and consume within 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the shrimp and pasta slowly in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth to help loosen the sauce. This method preserves the delicate texture better than microwaving, which can make the pasta gummy and shrimp rubbery.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for Shrimp Scampi with Angel Hair Pasta?

Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely before cooking to ensure even cooking and the best texture. Pat them dry before adding to the skillet to avoid excess moisture diluting the sauce.

What can I substitute for angel hair pasta?

If you don’t have angel hair pasta on hand, thin spaghetti or linguine make excellent substitutes, offering a similar delicate texture that pairs perfectly with the sauce and shrimp.

Is the red pepper flakes ingredient necessary?

Red pepper flakes are optional but highly recommended. They add a subtle kick that balances the buttery sauce nicely without overpowering the delicate shrimp flavor. Feel free to adjust according to your heat preference.

How do I prevent the shrimp from overcooking?

Cooking shrimp quickly over medium-high heat and removing them as soon as they turn pink is key. Overcooked shrimp become tough and rubbery, so watch them carefully and don’t walk away from the stove during this step.

Can I make Shrimp Scampi with Angel Hair Pasta gluten-free?

Yes! Simply swap the angel hair pasta for a gluten-free alternative like rice noodles or gluten-free spaghetti. The sauce and shrimp stay just as delicious, so no flavor is lost.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like Shrimp Scampi with Angel Hair Pasta to make you feel like a kitchen rockstar. It’s quick, elegant, and full of bright, fresh flavors that impress every single time without demanding hours of prep. Whether you’re treating yourself or wow-ing guests, this dish delivers comfort and sophistication on one plate — so go ahead, dive in and savor every buttery, garlicky bite!

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