Angel Hair with Lemon Shrimp Scampi

This Lemon Shrimp Scampi with Angel Hair is a flavorful, easy-to-make seafood pasta dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Made with succulent shrimp, fresh lemon, garlic, and butter, it’s a light yet satisfying meal. Whether you’re a fan of classic shrimp pasta dishes or just craving something refreshing and easy, this recipe is sure to impress. Tossed with angel hair pasta, this shrimp scampi recipe comes together in less than 30 minutes, making it a quick yet indulgent dinner option. The perfect balance of lemony zest and savory flavors makes this dish a crowd-pleaser. Ideal for seafood lovers and those craving a delicious homemade pasta recipe!

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp salt (for boiling water) + drizzle of olive oil
• 3/4 lb angel hair pasta (or your preferred pasta)
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 1/2 tbsp)
• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (16-20 or 21-25 count per lb)
• 1 tsp salt (for shrimp)
• 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1/3 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp grated lemon zest (from 1/2 lemon)
• 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 1.5 to 2 lemons)
• 1/8 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions:

1. Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add 1 tbsp salt and a drizzle of olive oil to prevent the pasta from sticking. Add 3/4 lb of pasta and cook according to package directions (angel hair typically cooks in 5 minutes).
2. While the pasta is cooking, melt 3 tbsp of butter with 3 tbsp of olive oil in a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant.
3. Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Sprinkle with 1 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Cook the shrimp for about 2 minutes per side, or until they turn pink. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become rubbery.
4. Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the lemon zest, chopped parsley, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes (if using).
5. Drain the cooked pasta and toss it in the skillet with the shrimp mixture. Gently mix to combine and coat the pasta with the flavorful sauce.
6. Serve hot, and enjoy your bright, zesty Lemon Shrimp Scampi with Angel Hair!

Tips

• For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine to the pan after cooking the shrimp and allowing it to reduce before adding the lemon and herbs.
• Be cautious when cooking the shrimp to avoid overcooking. Shrimp cook quickly and should be tender, not rubbery.
• You can substitute the angel hair pasta for another type of pasta such as linguine or spaghetti, depending on your preference.

Variations and Substitutions

• Shrimp: You can substitute shrimp with scallops, chicken, or even tofu for a different take on this dish.
• Lemon: For a more intense lemon flavor, add extra lemon zest or a bit of lemon peel while cooking the shrimp.
• Herbs: You can experiment with fresh basil or thyme for a slightly different flavor profile.

FAQs

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While shrimp scampi is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the shrimp and pasta separately and toss them together just before serving to avoid overcooking.

Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, frozen shrimp work well. Be sure to thaw them thoroughly and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture in the dish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Lemon Shrimp Scampi over angel hair pasta with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad to complete the meal. Pair it with a glass of chilled white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc, for an elevated dining experience.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Lemon Shrimp Scampi with angel hair pasta is a quick, flavorful, and light meal perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. The combination of garlic, lemon, and shrimp creates a refreshing and tangy dish that’s sure to satisfy. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, it’s a recipe you’ll return to time and again.

Angel Hair with Lemon Shrimp Scampi

Servings

4 -5

servings

Prep time

20

minutes

Cooking time

10

minutes

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp salt (for boiling water) + drizzle of olive oil

• 3/4 lb angel hair pasta (or your preferred pasta)

• 3 tbsp unsalted butter

• 3 tbsp olive oil

• 4 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 1/2 tbsp)

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (16-20 or 21-25 count per lb)

• 1 tsp salt (for shrimp)

• 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper

• 1/3 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped

• 1 tbsp grated lemon zest (from 1/2 lemon)

• 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 1.5 to 2 lemons)

• 1/8 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Directions

• Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add 1 tbsp salt and a drizzle of olive oil to prevent the pasta from sticking. Add 3/4 lb of pasta and cook according to package directions (angel hair typically cooks in 5 minutes).
• While the pasta is cooking, melt 3 tbsp of butter with 3 tbsp of olive oil in a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant.
• Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Sprinkle with 1 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Cook the shrimp for about 2 minutes per side, or until they turn pink. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become rubbery.
• Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the lemon zest, chopped parsley, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes (if using).
• Drain the cooked pasta and toss it in the skillet with the shrimp mixture. Gently mix to combine and coat the pasta with the flavorful sauce.
• Serve hot, and enjoy your bright, zesty Lemon Shrimp Scampi with Angel Hair!