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Shrimp Scampi with Angel Hair Pasta Recipe

Shrimp Scampi with Angel Hair Pasta Recipe

5 from 18 reviews

This Shrimp Scampi with Angel Hair Pasta is a quick and delicious seafood dish featuring succulent shrimp sautéed in a garlic, lemon, and butter sauce, served over delicate angel hair pasta. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion, it combines vibrant flavors with a light and satisfying texture.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Pasta and Shrimp:

  • 8 oz (225 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
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Optional Garnish:

  • Extra lemon wedges
  • Grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the angel hair pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water for later use.
  2. Cook the Shrimp: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the shrimp, season with salt and black pepper, and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Make the Scampi Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the lemon juice, lemon zest, and a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. Stir well to combine the flavors.
  4. Combine Pasta and Shrimp: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Add the cooked angel hair pasta and toss everything together to coat the pasta and shrimp evenly with the sauce. Add more reserved pasta water as needed to reach your desired consistency.
  5. Serve: Plate the pasta and shrimp mixture. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley. Serve with extra lemon wedges on the side and optionally, garnish with grated Parmesan cheese for an extra burst of flavor.

Notes

  • For a spicier kick, increase the red pepper flakes to 1 tsp.
  • Make sure not to overcook the shrimp to maintain their tenderness.
  • Reserve some pasta water as its starch helps to thicken and bind the sauce to the pasta.
  • Substitute angel hair pasta with linguine or spaghetti if preferred.
  • For a dairy-free version, omit the butter and use olive oil instead.

Nutrition

Keywords: shrimp scampi, angel hair pasta, garlic shrimp, lemon butter sauce, easy seafood pasta, Italian pasta recipe