shrimp scampi angel hair pasta recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
shrimp scampi angel hair pasta recipe
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The Best shrimp scampi angel hair pasta recipe

I’m so excited to share this shrimp scampi angel hair pasta recipe with you all. This dish is a classic for a reason – it’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor. The combination of succulent shrimp, garlic, and herbs on a bed of delicate angel hair pasta is truly unbeatable.

I first fell in love with this recipe when I was growing up in the States, where my mom would whip it up for special occasions and family gatherings. As an adult, I’ve continued to make it a staple in our household, and now my kids can’t get enough of it either. The best part about this recipe is how versatile it is.

You can serve it as a light lunch or dinner, or even as an appetizer for a party. It’s also incredibly easy to customize to your tastes – want more garlic? Add some extra cloves!

Want a bit of spice? Throw in some red pepper flakes. One thing that really sets this recipe apart is the technique behind cooking the angel hair pasta just right.

It’s all about getting that perfect al dente texture without overcooking it. I like to use a timer to ensure I don’t overcook it – 3-4 minutes should do the trick. Shrimp scampi angel hair pasta has become a staple in our household not just because of its taste, but also its health benefits.

Angel hair pasta is low in calories and carbs compared to other types of pasta, making it a great option for those watching their diet. But what really makes this dish special is the way it brings everyone together at the table. There’s something about twirling a fork around a plate of perfectly cooked pasta that just feels like home.

Shrimp Scampi Angel Hair Pasta

Shrimp Scampi Angel Hair Pasta

4.9 from 1251 votes

This elegant pasta dish features tender angel hair pasta tossed with succulent shrimp in a buttery garlic lemon sauce. A sprinkle of fresh parsley and red pepper flakes adds brightness and a gentle kick.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time20 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time35 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 520 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Pasta

12 oz angel hair pasta
1 tbsp salt
Water for boiling

For the Shrimp Scampi

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
4 tbsp unsalted butter
3 tbsp olive oil
6 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup dry white wine
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1 tsp lemon zest
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

👨‍🍳Directions

1Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat.
2Add the angel hair pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, usually 4 to 5 minutes.
3Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining, then drain the pasta in a colander.
4While the pasta cooks, pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season with 1/4 teaspoon salt and black pepper.
5Heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the butter is foaming.
6Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1 to 2 minutes per side until they turn pink and are just opaque.
7Transfer the shrimp to a plate and set aside, leaving any juices in the skillet.
8Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet.
9Once melted, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
10Pour in the white wine and lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
11Let the sauce simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until it reduces slightly and becomes glossy.
12Add the cooked pasta, shrimp, lemon zest, and remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt to the skillet.
13Toss everything together with tongs, adding reserved pasta water a few tablespoons at a time until the sauce coats the pasta evenly.
14Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the chopped parsley.
15Serve immediately in warm bowls, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and extra red pepper flakes if desired.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Large skillet
Colander
Tongs
Measuring cups and spoons
Chef’s knife
Cutting board

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 520 kcal🧈Total Fat: 24g💛Saturated Fat: 10g❤️Cholesterol: 190mg🧂Sodium: 780mg🌾Total Carbs: 55g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 2g🥩Protein: 28g

📝Notes

For the best flavor, use fresh garlic and lemon juice rather than bottled versions. If you prefer a richer sauce, add an extra tablespoon of butter at the end. You can substitute linguine or spaghetti for angel hair if needed. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they become rubbery.

Watch Video Of How Shrimp Scampi Angel Hair Pasta Works

This shrimp scampi angel hair pasta recipe has been a staple in our household for years – and for good reason! Not only is it incredibly easy to make, but it’s also packed with flavor and nutrition.

One thing that really stands out about this dish is how versatile it is – whether you’re serving it as a light lunch or dinner, or as an appetizer at a party, it’s sure to be a hit. And let’s not forget about storage – you can easily store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days without losing any flavor or texture.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Shrimp Scampi Angel Hair Pasta

Q: What type of pasta should I use for this recipe?

For this recipe, you’ll want to use angel hair pasta – also known as capellini or thin spaghetti. You can find it at most grocery stores or online.

Q: Can I use frozen shrimp instead of fresh?

While fresh shrimp will always be the best choice, you can definitely use frozen shrimp as a substitute if you don’t have access to fresh ones.

Q: How do I prevent the shrimp from overcooking?

One trick I use is to cook the shrimp separately from the pasta – that way, you can ensure they’re cooked just right without overcooking them.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can prep this recipe up until the point where you add the garlic and herbs – just be sure not to add them too early or they’ll lose their flavor.

Q: Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

Nope! This recipe features shrimp as its main protein source – but you could easily swap out the shrimp for another protein source like chicken or tofu if you want to make it vegetarian-friendly.

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