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Shrimp Scampi with Angel Hair Pasta Recipe

Shrimp Scampi with Angel Hair Pasta Recipe

5 from 19 reviews

This classic Shrimp Scampi with Angel Hair Pasta is a quick and flavorful dish combining tender shrimp sautéed in garlic butter and olive oil, tossed with delicate angel hair pasta and fresh lemon juice. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, this recipe is simple yet elegant with a touch of heat from red pepper flakes and a bright finish from fresh parsley and lemon wedges.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Pasta and Shrimp:

  • 12 oz (340 g) angel hair pasta
  • 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
  • Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook angel hair pasta according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 2-3 minutes. Drain and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water.
  2. Cook the Shrimp: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 1 tbsp butter over medium-high heat. Add shrimp, season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side until shrimp turn pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
  3. Make the Scampi Sauce: In the same skillet, add remaining 2 tbsp butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic. Add lemon juice and ¼ cup of reserved pasta water. Stir to combine and create a silky sauce. Return shrimp to the skillet and gently toss to coat in the sauce.
  4. Combine with Pasta: Add cooked angel hair pasta to the skillet with the shrimp and sauce. Toss everything together thoroughly, adding more pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce to your desired consistency. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley.
  5. Serve: Plate the pasta and shrimp mixture, garnish with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the dish. Serve immediately and enjoy the vibrant, garlicky flavors.

Notes

  • Reserve some pasta water as it helps to loosen and emulsify the sauce for a silky finish.
  • Use large shrimp for best texture; ensure they are peeled and deveined for convenience.
  • Adjust red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level or omit if you want a milder dish.
  • Angel hair pasta is very thin and cooks quickly; keep an eye on it to prevent overcooking.
  • For a richer flavor, you can add a splash of white wine to the scampi sauce before adding the lemon juice.
  • This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.

Nutrition

Keywords: Shrimp Scampi, Angel Hair Pasta, Garlic Butter Shrimp, Easy Italian Dinner, Seafood Pasta