Description
Shrimp Scampi with Angel Hair Pasta is a classic Italian-American dish featuring tender shrimp sautéed in a flavorful garlic butter, white wine, and lemon sauce. Tossed with delicate angel hair pasta, this elegant and easy dinner is ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for a quick yet impressive meal.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz angel hair pasta
- Salt, for pasta water
Shrimp Scampi
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup dry white wine or chicken broth
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook angel hair pasta according to package directions (usually 2-3 minutes) until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Season Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry and season evenly with 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper to enhance their flavor before cooking.
- Cook Shrimp: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 1–2 minutes per side, until they turn pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
- Sauté Garlic: Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Make Sauce: Pour in the dry white wine (or chicken broth as a substitute) and simmer for 2–3 minutes to reduce the liquid slightly, concentrating the flavors.
- Add Flavorings: Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the sauce, mixing well.
- Combine Shrimp and Sauce: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss them in the sauce to coat evenly.
- Toss Pasta: Add the cooked angel hair pasta to the skillet. Pour in reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce and help it coat the pasta evenly. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley and grated parmesan cheese (if using) over the pasta and shrimp. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Angel hair pasta cooks very quickly—watch carefully to avoid overcooking and becoming mushy.
- If you prefer to avoid alcohol, substitute the dry white wine with chicken broth or a vegetable broth.
- Add extra butter for a richer, creamier sauce according to your taste.
- Serve the dish immediately after preparation to maintain the best texture and flavor of both the pasta and shrimp.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
