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Shrimp Scampi with Angel Hair Pasta Recipe

Shrimp Scampi with Angel Hair Pasta Recipe

4.8 from 20 reviews

This Shrimp Scampi with Angel Hair Pasta is a quick and flavorful seafood dish combining tender shrimp sautéed in a buttery garlic sauce, tossed with delicate angel hair pasta and brightened with fresh lemon juice and parsley. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests with a restaurant-quality meal at home.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 12 oz angel hair pasta

Shrimp and Sauce

  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • ½ cup dry white wine or chicken broth
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • Salt & black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the angel hair pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 3-4 minutes. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water before draining the pasta.
  2. Cook Shrimp: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter until melted and hot. Add the shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Make Scampi Sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes if using. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Pour in the white wine or chicken broth and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly and enhance the flavors.
  4. Finish Sauce: Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and the freshly squeezed lemon juice. Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste. Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss them gently in the sauce to coat evenly.
  5. Combine Pasta: Add the cooked angel hair pasta to the skillet with the shrimp and sauce. Toss gently to combine, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce and achieve your desired consistency.
  6. Serve: Garnish the dish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • For a spicier version, increase the amount of red pepper flakes according to your heat preference.
  • You can substitute the white wine with low-sodium chicken broth if avoiding alcohol.
  • Make sure not to overcook the shrimp as they become rubbery quickly.
  • Angel hair pasta cooks very fast; watch carefully to avoid overcooking and becoming mushy.
  • Use fresh lemon juice for the brightest flavor in the sauce.
  • For a dairy-free version, use olive oil instead of butter and skip the butter additions.

Nutrition

Keywords: shrimp scampi, angel hair pasta, seafood pasta, garlic butter sauce, quick dinner, Italian seafood recipe