Shrimp and Angel Hair Pasta is a quick, elegant dish that combines tender shrimp sautéed in garlic and olive oil with delicate angel hair pasta. Tossed in a light, flavorful sauce with hints of lemon, butter, and fresh herbs, this recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or a special occasion.
Why Shrimp and Angel Hair Pasta is a Must-Try Recipe
This dish stands out because it strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and sophistication. Angel hair pasta, known for its thin, delicate strands, pairs beautifully with tender shrimp, creating a light meal that’s satisfying without being too heavy.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Shrimp and Angel Hair Pasta
Don’t overcook the shrimp. Shrimp cooks fast—typically 2-3 minutes per side. Overcooked shrimp becomes rubbery, so keep an eye on it.
Reserve pasta water. The starchy pasta water is liquid gold—it helps bind the sauce and gives it a silky texture.
Use fresh ingredients. Fresh garlic, lemon juice, and parsley elevate the flavors in this dish. If you can, avoid pre-minced garlic and bottled lemon juice.
Serve immediately. Angel hair pasta tends to clump as it cools, so this dish is best enjoyed fresh off the stove.
Variations to Try
Creamy Shrimp and Angel Hair Pasta
For a creamy twist, add ½ cup of heavy cream to the sauce after the shrimp is cooked. Let it simmer and thicken before tossing the pasta. You’ll end up with a rich, velvety sauce perfect for indulgent dinners.
Garlic Butter Shrimp and Angel Hair Pasta
For a more buttery flavor, increase the butter to 3 tablespoons and reduce the olive oil. This gives the dish a luscious garlic-butter base that’s absolutely divine.
Shrimp Scampi with Angel Hair Pasta
Shrimp scampi is a popular variation of this dish. Use extra lemon juice and double the garlic to create a more zesty, garlicky pasta dish.
Vegetable Add-ins
For a healthier variation, toss in some sautéed zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach for added texture and nutrition. These veggies complement the shrimp beautifully.
How to Serve Shrimp and Angel Hair Pasta
This dish is incredibly versatile, so you can serve it in many ways:
- As a main course: Pair with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables to keep the meal light and balanced.
- As a romantic dinner: Serve with a glass of chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to enhance the citrus notes in the pasta.
- Family-style: Make a large batch and serve it family-style at your next gathering. The bright, lemony flavors are sure to impress!
How to Store and Reheat Shrimp and Angel Hair Pasta
Storage:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. However, it’s best enjoyed fresh because the pasta may become mushy after sitting.
Reheating:
To reheat, add a little olive oil or butter to a skillet and toss the pasta over medium heat until warmed through. You may need to add a splash of water or broth to loosen up the sauce as it reheats. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the shrimp rubbery.
Recipe FAQs
What kind of shrimp should I use?
It’s best to use large shrimp, peeled and deveined, for this recipe. Frozen shrimp works perfectly if you don’t have access to fresh. Just thaw them before cooking by running under cold water for a few minutes.
Can I use other types of pasta?
While angel hair pasta is perfect for this recipe because of its light texture, you can substitute with spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine. Just note that these thicker pastas will require a longer cooking time and have a heavier bite.
What can I use instead of white wine?
If you prefer not to use white wine, simply replace it with chicken broth or vegetable broth. It will still create a flavorful sauce without the alcohol.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes! You can easily omit the butter and replace it with more olive oil for a dairy-free version. The result is still rich and delicious.
Shrimp and Angel Hair Pasta
Shrimp and Angel Hair Pasta is a quick, elegant dish that combines tender shrimp sautéed in garlic and olive oil with delicate angel hair pasta.
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 (8 oz) package angel hair pasta
- ¼ cup olive oil, divided
- 1 tsp garlic, chopped
- ½ cup dry white wine
- 2 (28 oz) cans Italian-style diced tomatoes, drained
- 3 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
- 3 tbsp Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil, adding a tablespoon of olive oil. Cook angel hair pasta until al dente, then drain and rinse.
- Heat the remaining olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté garlic until tender (about 1 minute), then add shrimp. Cook for 3–5 minutes until pink and set aside.
- In the same skillet, stir in diced tomatoes, white wine, parsley, and basil. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sauce reduces by half (about 8–12 minutes).
- Return the shrimp to the skillet and cook for another 2–3 minutes until heated through. Serve the shrimp and sauce over angel hair pasta, then sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 357Total Fat 17gSaturated Fat 3gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 13gCholesterol 243mgSodium 1202mgCarbohydrates 16gFiber 2gSugar 2gProtein 29g
Easy Shrimp Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Conclusion
Shrimp and angel hair pasta is a delightful dish that combines simplicity with incredible flavor. Whether you’re a novice cook or a seasoned chef, this recipe is quick, versatile, and can be adapted to your preferences. By following the steps above and incorporating some of the suggested variations, you’ll have a restaurant-quality meal ready in no time. Perfect for a weekday dinner or a special occasion, shrimp and angel hair pasta is a surefire way to impress!
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