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Quick Shrimp Scampi Over Angel Hair Pasta

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A fast, flavorful shrimp scampi recipe served over delicate angel hair pasta, ready in just 15 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or dinner parties with simple pantry staples.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (fresh or thawed frozen)
  • 8 ounces angel hair pasta, cooked al dente
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Juice of 1 medium lemon
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup white wine (60 ml), optional (dry variety like Sauvignon Blanc recommended)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of angel hair pasta and cook according to package instructions, about 3-4 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/4 cup (60 ml) of pasta water.
  2. While pasta cooks, pat dry 1 pound of large shrimp with paper towels.
  3. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil and 3 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once melted and fragrant, add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes. Stir constantly for about 1 minute until garlic is golden but not burnt.
  4. Add shrimp in a single layer. Cook about 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Avoid overcrowding the pan.
  5. Pour in 1/4 cup white wine or chicken broth, scraping up any bits stuck to the pan. Let it simmer 1-2 minutes until slightly reduced.
  6. Stir in juice of 1 lemon, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Toss shrimp gently to coat.
  7. Add the cooked angel hair pasta directly to the skillet. If the sauce seems thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time to loosen it. Toss everything together until pasta is coated and heated through.
  8. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley on top and give one last gentle toss. Serve immediately with extra lemon wedges if desired.

Notes

Pat shrimp dry before cooking to get a good sear and avoid steaming. Watch shrimp carefully to avoid overcooking; remove when pink and opaque. Reserve pasta water to loosen sauce if needed. Use fresh garlic for best flavor. Butter and olive oil together prevent burning and add richness.

Nutrition

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