Angel Hair Pasta with Shrimp
Delicate angel hair pasta tossed with plump, juicy shrimp in a light garlic, white wine, and lemon butter sauce. This elegant dish comes together in under 20 minutes, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Cook the Pasta
- b.Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
- c.Add the angel hair pasta and cook until al dente, following package directions (typically 2-3 minutes).
- d.Before draining, use a mug or measuring cup to reserve at least 1 cup of the starchy pasta water.
- e.Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Cook the Shrimp
- b.While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- c.Once the butter is melted and foamy, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 30-60 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- d.Pat the shrimp dry and add them to the skillet in a single layer. Season with 1/2 tsp salt and black pepper.
- e.Cook for 1-2 minutes per side, until they turn pink and opaque. Do not overcook. Immediately remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Create the Sauce
- b.Pour the white wine into the hot skillet to deglaze, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any flavorful browned bits from the bottom.
- c.Allow the wine to simmer and reduce by about half, which should take 2-3 minutes.
- d.Stir in the fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water. Bring to a simmer.
- e.Reduce the heat to low and whisk in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Combine and Serve
- b.Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Add the drained angel hair pasta and the chopped fresh parsley.
- c.Toss everything together gently with tongs until the pasta is well-coated with the sauce.
- d.If the sauce is too thick, add another splash of reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
- e.Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed.
- f.Serve immediately, garnished with extra fresh parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, if desired.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Angel hair pasta cooks extremely fast. Stand by the pot to avoid overcooking it, which can make it mushy.
- 2Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels before cooking. This helps them sear nicely instead of steaming.
- 3Don't skip reserving the pasta water. The starch in the water is essential for creating a silky sauce that clings to the pasta.
- 4For the best flavor, use fresh garlic and lemon juice, not the bottled kind.
- 5Use a large enough skillet so you can toss the pasta, shrimp, and sauce together without it spilling over.
Adapt it for your goals.
Creamy Shrimp Scampi
After the butter has melted into the sauce in Step 3, stir in 1/4 cup of heavy cream for a richer, creamier texture.
Add VegetablesAdd Vegetables
Sauté 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes or chopped asparagus in the skillet before adding the garlic. You can also wilt in a few handfuls of fresh spinach at the very end.
Spicier VersionSpicier Version
Double the amount of red pepper flakes or add a finely chopped fresh red chili along with the garlic for a more pronounced heat.
Herbaceous TwistHerbaceous Twist
In addition to parsley, add a tablespoon of chopped fresh basil or oregano at the end for a different layer of flavor.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Lean Protein Powerhouse
Shrimp is an excellent source of high-quality, low-fat protein, which is crucial for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle mass, and promoting a feeling of fullness.
Rich in Heart-Healthy Fats
The use of extra virgin olive oil provides monounsaturated fats, which are known to support cardiovascular health by helping to reduce bad cholesterol levels.
Antioxidant Boost
Garlic contains allicin and other compounds with antioxidant properties, while lemon is rich in Vitamin C. These ingredients help combat oxidative stress in the body.
Frequently asked questions
A typical serving of this dish contains approximately 550-650 calories, depending on the exact amounts of butter, oil, and optional cheese used.