If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with bright, zesty flavors and feels like a warm hug from the Italian coast, then this Shrimp Scampi with Angel Hair Pasta Recipe is the perfect pick for tonight’s dinner. Combining tender shrimp sautéed in a luscious garlic butter and white wine sauce with delicate angel hair pasta, this recipe is not only a feast for your taste buds but also a speedy, satisfying meal you can whip up in under 30 minutes. It’s simplicity meeting elegance on a plate, delivering that crave-worthy combination of garlic, lemon, and fresh herbs that elevate shrimp scampi to a family favorite everyone will adore.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This image shows ingredients for a shrimp pasta dish arranged on a white marbled surface. In the center is a rectangular white plate filled with raw shrimp, mostly pale gray with some light pink. To the top left is a large clear bowl filled with thin yellow cooked noodles. Above the shrimp are two small white bowls, one containing finely chopped green herbs and the other filled with minced garlic, both with a rough texture. To the right of the shrimp is a small clear bowl with a pale yellow solid piece, likely butter. Below it is a clear measuring cup holding a light yellow liquid, probably broth. To the bottom right is a small clear bowl packed with finely chopped red tomatoes. Below the noodles to the left are small white bowls with a reddish-brown powder and grated white cheese. Two small white salt and pepper shakers sit near the bottom center. A small measuring spoon with a reddish spice sits beside the shrimp. The photo is taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

What makes this Shrimp Scampi with Angel Hair Pasta Recipe truly shine is its straightforward ingredient list. Each ingredient plays a vital role, whether adding rich buttery depth, zesty brightness, or that light delicate texture that angel hair pasta provides. You’ll find that with such fresh and simple components, the dish’s vibrant flavors truly get to take center stage.

Angel hair pasta: This ultra-thin pasta cooks quickly and effortlessly absorbs the scampi sauce’s flavors.
Salt for pasta water: Essential to season the pasta perfectly from the inside out.
Large shrimp, peeled and deveined: The heart of the dish, offering tender, juicy bites with a subtle sweetness.
Salt and black pepper: Basic seasoning that enhances the shrimp and sauce perfectly.
Olive oil: Adds a light fruity undertone and helps achieve a perfect sear on the shrimp.
Unsalted butter: Offers rich creaminess and helps create that irresistible garlic butter sauce.
Garlic, minced: The fragrant backbone of the dish, infusing every bite with savory warmth.
Dry white wine or chicken broth: Adds acidity and depth to balance the richness of butter.
Lemon juice and zest: Provide a vibrant citrus brightness that livens up the dish beautifully.
Red pepper flakes (optional): For a subtle hint of heat that can be adjusted to your liking.
Fresh parsley, chopped: Adds a fresh herbal pop of color and flavor.
Grated parmesan cheese (optional): A final nutty, salty touch that melts perfectly into the sauce.

How to Make Shrimp Scampi with Angel Hair Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cooking the Angel Hair Pasta

Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. The salt is key here—it seasons the pasta from the inside out. Add the angel hair pasta and cook according to the package directions, which usually takes just 3 to 4 minutes. Watch it carefully since angel hair pasta cooks very fast and overcooking can cause it to become mushy. Once perfectly al dente, reserve half a cup of the pasta water, as it will help marry the sauce and pasta later, then drain the rest.

Step 2: Preparing the Shrimp

While the pasta cooks, season your shrimp with a teaspoon of salt and half a teaspoon of black pepper. This simple seasoning enhances their natural sweetness without overpowering the delicate seafood flavor. It’s important to use large shrimp for the best texture—they’ll stay tender and juicy throughout cooking.

Step 3: Sautéing Shrimp and Building the Sauce

Heat two tablespoons of olive oil and two tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the shrimp in a single layer and cook them for about 1 to 2 minutes per side, just enough to turn pink and opaque. Remove them from the pan to prevent overcooking, and set them aside.

Now, add the remaining two tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. This step unlocks the garlic’s aromatic oils, which become the soulful base of the sauce.

Step 4: Adding Wine, Lemon, and Seasoning

Pour in half a cup of dry white wine or chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up all those flavorful browned bits. Let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the liquid to reduce slightly and concentrate flavors. Then stir in one tablespoon of fresh lemon juice, one teaspoon of lemon zest for that extra zing, and a quarter teaspoon of red pepper flakes if you like a hint of spice. Each addition balances the richness beautifully.

Step 5: Bringing it All Together

Return the shrimp to the skillet, tossing them gently in the flavorful sauce. Add the drained angel hair pasta and splash in some of the reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce and help it cling perfectly to the noodles. Toss everything carefully until every strand of pasta is coated with the garlic butter sauce, shrimp nestled throughout.

Finish by removing from heat and sprinkling with a generous quarter cup of chopped fresh parsley and half a cup of grated parmesan cheese if using. These final touches add brightness, freshness, and a satisfying savory edge to this irresistible shrimp scampi.

How to Serve Shrimp Scampi with Angel Hair Pasta Recipe

A white pan filled with thin spaghetti pasta, cooked to a light yellow color, mixed with plump, pink shrimp arranged evenly on top. The pasta is lightly coated in a shiny sauce, sprinkled with small green herb pieces and thin slices of garlic. Around the pan, there are small white bowls with chopped green herbs, lemon wedges, and red pepper flakes on a white marbled surface. A woman's hand holding a white spoon is visible near the top edge. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh parsley is the classic garnish here, adding a vibrant green pop of color and fresh herbal notes that complement the buttery sauce. A light dusting of freshly grated parmesan is also divine if you love a little extra richness. For an elegant touch, thin lemon slices or a twist of lemon peel can brighten the presentation and palate.

Side Dishes

This dish shines on its own, but it pairs beautifully with simple sides like a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness, or roasted asparagus for a tender, slightly sweet vegetable contrast. Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread is also wonderful for sopping up every last bit of that glorious scampi sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a stunning look that’s sure to impress, serve your shrimp scampi in individual shallow bowls with the pasta twirled into delicate nests. Garnish with a sprinkle of parsley and parmesan, then add a lemon wedge on the side. You could even add some toasted breadcrumbs on top for a delightful crunch twist that complements the silky pasta.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator within two hours of cooking. This Shrimp Scampi with Angel Hair Pasta Recipe will stay fresh for up to 2 days, though it’s best enjoyed fresh to savor the bright, delicate flavors and perfect pasta texture.

Freezing

Freezing shrimp scampi with angel hair pasta is not recommended. Pasta tends to become mushy and the delicate texture of the shrimp will suffer after freezing and reheating. It’s best to freeze the shrimp or sauce separately if you want to prepare components ahead of time.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if necessary. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can unevenly heat the shrimp and dry out the pasta. Stir continuously until warmed through to keep the sauce creamy and luscious.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely by placing them overnight in the fridge or quickly in cold water before cooking. Pat them dry to ensure they sear nicely and don’t steam in the pan.

What if I don’t want to use white wine?

You can easily substitute chicken broth or vegetable broth for the white wine. It will keep the sauce flavorful and rich without the alcohol, making it a good option for kids or those avoiding wine.

How can I make this dish spicier?

Increase the red pepper flakes to your taste or add a pinch of cayenne pepper. Fresh chopped chili peppers also work well if you want a vibrant, fresh heat.

Is angel hair pasta the only option?

While angel hair pasta is traditional due to its delicate texture, you can use linguine, spaghetti, or even fettuccine. Just adjust cooking times accordingly and remember that thicker pasta will hold more sauce.

Can I prepare any parts of this recipe ahead of time?

You can prep the shrimp by peeling and deveining them in advance, and mince the garlic and chop parsley ahead to speed things up. Cook the pasta fresh just before serving for the best texture.

Final Thoughts

This Shrimp Scampi with Angel Hair Pasta Recipe has a way of bringing people to the table with smiles and satisfied sighs. Its combination of simple ingredients treated with a little love creates something remarkably special and comforting, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend treat. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe—it’s a guaranteed winner that feels fancy without being fussy. Once you make it, it will undoubtedly become a go-to favorite in your kitchen!