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Shrimp Scampi Angel Hair Pasta

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This Shrimp Scampi Angel Hair Pasta is a quick, comforting Italian-inspired dinner featuring tender shrimp in a buttery garlic-lemon sauce tossed with delicate angel hair pasta. Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, it comes together in under 30 minutes and is easily customizable for dietary needs.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tail-off (fresh or frozen)
  • 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
  • Juice of 1 large lemon (about 2 tbsp)
  • Zest of 1 lemon (optional)
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 8 oz angel hair pasta
  • 2 quarts water, salted generously
  • 1/4 cup freshly chopped parsley
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • Lemon wedges (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Thaw shrimp if frozen by running under cold water for 5 minutes. Pat dry with paper towels.
  2. Finely mince garlic, chop parsley, zest and juice the lemon. Measure out butter, olive oil, and wine or broth.
  3. Bring a large pot of salted water (2 quarts) to a boil. Add angel hair pasta and cook until just al dente (about 4 minutes). Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain pasta.
  4. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant (do not brown).
  5. Add shrimp in a single layer. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook shrimp 1-2 minutes per side, turning once, until pink and opaque.
  6. Pour in wine (or broth) and scrape up any browned bits from the pan. Let simmer 1 minute, then add lemon juice and zest, stirring well.
  7. Add reserved pasta water to thin the sauce if needed. Sauce should coat the back of a spoon.
  8. Add drained angel hair pasta to the skillet. Toss gently to combine and coat every strand with the sauce. Sprinkle in chopped parsley and toss again.
  9. Transfer pasta and shrimp to serving bowls. Top with grated Parmesan and extra parsley if desired. Serve with lemon wedges.

Notes

For gluten-free, use GF pasta. For dairy-free, use vegan butter and skip Parmesan. Add baby spinach for extra veggies. Watch shrimp closely to avoid overcooking. Reserve pasta water for a silky sauce. Use tongs to toss pasta gently. Leftovers keep for 2 days in the fridge; add a splash of water or broth when reheating.

Nutrition

Keywords: shrimp scampi, angel hair pasta, easy dinner, Italian pasta, seafood pasta, weeknight meal, garlic butter shrimp, lemon pasta, quick pasta recipe

Find it online: https://emmayum.com/shrimp-scampi-angel-hair-pasta-recipe-easy-weeknight-dinner/