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Flavorful Shrimp Scampi with Angel Hair Pasta

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A quick and easy shrimp scampi recipe with angel hair pasta that combines garlic, lemon, butter, and shrimp for a light yet indulgent meal ready in about 20 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (frozen or fresh)
  • 8 ounces angel hair pasta
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • Zest and juice of one lemon
  • 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add angel hair pasta and cook according to package instructions (about 2-3 minutes) until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/4 cup of pasta water. Set aside.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Add shrimp in a single layer, season lightly with salt and pepper, and cook 1.5-2 minutes per side until pink and just cooked through. Remove shrimp and set aside.
  3. Reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Pour in white wine and lemon juice. Simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly and meld flavors. If skipping wine, use chicken broth or water instead.
  5. Stir in remaining 2 tablespoons butter until melted. Add lemon zest and adjust salt and pepper to taste. Add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time if sauce is too thick.
  6. Return shrimp and drained pasta to the skillet. Toss gently to coat in sauce and heat together for about 1 minute without overheating.
  7. Remove from heat, sprinkle with chopped parsley, and serve immediately with optional Parmesan cheese.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the pan when cooking shrimp to ensure proper searing. Watch garlic carefully to avoid burning. Toss pasta in the sauce immediately to prevent mushiness. Use reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. For gluten-free, substitute pasta with gluten-free or spiralized vegetable noodles. Reheat leftovers gently on stovetop with a splash of water or broth; avoid microwaving.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://elvafood.com/flavorful-shrimp-scampi-with-angel-hair-pasta-easy-20-minute-recipe/