Angel Hair Aglio Olio with Shrimps

Introducing Angel Hair Aglio Olio with Shrimps, a dish that effortlessly combines simplicity with sophistication for a dining experience that’s both comforting and elegant. This recipe brings together the delicate strands of angel hair pasta with succulent shrimp, aromatic garlic, and a hint of fiery red pepper flakes, all enveloped in a luscious olive oil sauce.

With just a handful of ingredients and straightforward instructions, this recipe is perfect for both busy weeknights and special occasions when you want to impress your guests with minimal effort. Whether you’re craving a cozy meal for one or planning a memorable dinner party, Angel Hair Aglio Olio with Shrimps is sure to satisfy your appetite and leave you craving more. So, gather your ingredients, fire up the stove, and get ready to indulge in a dish that’s as easy to make as it is delicious to eat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

Delicious Flavor: The combination of garlic-infused olive oil, red pepper flakes, and Parmesan cheese creates a flavorful sauce that coats the angel hair pasta and shrimp, tantalizing taste buds with each bite.

Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just a few simple steps, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Fresh Ingredients: With ingredients like garlic, parsley, and shrimp, this recipe offers a fresh and vibrant taste that’s perfect for any occasion.

Versatility: While this recipe calls for shrimp, you can easily customize it by using other proteins like chicken or tofu, or adding vegetables for a vegetarian option, allowing for endless variations to suit individual preferences.

Healthy Option: Angel hair pasta is lighter than traditional pasta shapes, and the addition of shrimp provides a lean source of protein. Plus, using olive oil instead of butter keeps the dish heart-healthy.

Simplicity: With just a handful of ingredients, this recipe showcases the beauty of simple, rustic Italian cooking, letting each component shine.

Customizable Heat: The amount of red pepper flakes can be adjusted to suit individual spice preferences, allowing you to tailor the dish to your desired level of heat.

Satisfying Comfort Food: Despite its simplicity, this dish offers a comforting and satisfying meal that’s perfect for cozy nights in or casual gatherings with friends and family.

Restaurant-Quality Dish at Home: Impress your guests or treat yourself to a restaurant-quality meal without the expense or hassle of dining out.

Garnish Options: Topping the dish with additional Parmesan cheese, chili flakes, and fresh parsley adds visual appeal and a burst of flavor, elevating the overall dining experience.

Key Ingredients:

Spaghetti: The foundation of this classic Italian dish, spaghetti provides the perfect base for the flavorful garlic-infused olive oil sauce and succulent shrimp. Opt for high-quality spaghetti for the best texture and flavor.

Prawns: Fresh prawns take center stage in this recipe, bringing a delicate sweetness and briny flavor to the dish. Be sure to shell and devein the prawns before cooking for ease of eating and a more refined presentation.

Garlic: Minced garlic sautéed in extra-virgin olive oil forms the aromatic base of the sauce, infusing the dish with its unmistakable flavor and fragrance. Use fresh garlic for the best results.

Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: Quality extra-virgin olive oil is essential for creating a rich and flavorful sauce. It adds a luxurious mouthfeel and enhances the overall taste of the dish.

Red Pepper Flakes: A hint of red pepper flakes adds a subtle but noticeable kick to the pasta, balancing the richness of the olive oil and adding depth to the flavor profile. Adjust the amount to suit your desired level of spiciness.

Flat-Leaf Parsley: Fresh flat-leaf parsley adds a vibrant burst of color and freshness to the dish, while also imparting a hint of herbal flavor. Chop it finely and use it as a garnish to enhance the presentation.

Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds a savory umami depth to the dish, enriching the sauce and providing a creamy texture when combined with the pasta water. Sprinkle generously over the finished dish for a decadent finishing touch.

Salt: Salt enhances the natural flavors of the ingredients and helps to season the pasta water and shrimp as they cook. Use it judiciously to achieve a well-balanced and flavorful dish.

How to make Angel Hair Aglio Olio with Shrimps

Ingredients

1 pound spaghetti

500 g prawns – Shell and devein

6 cloves garlic – minced

¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil

½ teaspoon red pepper flakes

2 tablespoons chopped flat-leaf parsley

Freshly grated Parmesan

Salt to taste

Instructions

Bring a large pot of cold water to a boil over high heat, then salt it generously. Add the pasta and cook till al-dente for about 8 – 10 minutes.

Reserve ¼ cup of the pasta water.

While the pasta is cooking, combine the garlic and olive oil in a skillet. Fry for 20 seconds.

Add in prawns and cook for a few minutes. Season with some salt.

Mix in angel hair. Season with salt and red pepper flakes.

Add in the pasta water and a good handful of Parmesan cheese.

Remove from heat and top with more Parmesan, chilli flakes and parsley.

Notes:

Pasta Perfection: Achieving al dente pasta is key to this dish. Be sure to cook the angel hair pasta just until it’s tender but still has a slight bite to it. This ensures the pasta holds up well when tossed with the sauce and shrimp.

Flavor Infusion: Infusing the olive oil with minced garlic creates a flavorful base for the sauce. Be careful not to let the garlic brown too much to avoid a bitter taste. A quick sauté of about 20 seconds should suffice.

Shrimp Sensation: Opt for fresh, high-quality shrimp for the best flavor and texture. Shell and devein the shrimp before cooking to ensure they’re ready to be tossed with the pasta.

Spice it Up: The red pepper flakes add a delightful kick to the dish, but feel free to adjust the amount according to your preference for heat. You can also omit them entirely if you prefer a milder flavor profile.

Pasta Water Magic: Reserving some of the pasta water before draining the pasta is a trick used by many chefs to help create a silky, emulsified sauce. The starchy water helps bind the sauce together and adds a subtle richness to the dish.

Cheese Please: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds a nutty richness and depth of flavor to the dish. Don’t be shy with the cheese—it’s meant to be generously sprinkled over the pasta and shrimp before serving.

Garnish Galore: A finishing touch of chopped parsley adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish. Feel free to get creative with additional garnishes like extra Parmesan, more red pepper flakes, or even a drizzle of balsamic reduction for added flair.

Serve with Style: Present this dish with flair by arranging the pasta and shrimp in individual serving bowls or on a large platter. Garnish with a final flourish of parsley and Parmesan for an elegant finishing touch.

Make it Your Own: While this recipe is delicious as written, don’t hesitate to customize it to suit your taste preferences. Experiment with adding other ingredients like cherry tomatoes, spinach, or olives for extra flavor and texture.

Enjoy Fresh: This dish is best enjoyed immediately after cooking while the pasta is still hot and the flavors are at their peak. Serve it alongside crusty bread and a crisp green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Nutrition Information:

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of pasta instead of spaghetti?

Absolutely! While spaghetti is traditional, you can experiment with other pasta shapes like linguine, fettuccine, or even penne to suit your preferences.

How do I ensure the pasta is cooked perfectly al dente?

It’s essential to cook the pasta according to the package instructions and taste-test it a minute or two before the recommended cooking time.

The pasta should be tender but still slightly firm to the bite.

Can I use frozen shrimp instead of fresh prawns?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp, but be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking.

Fresh prawns are preferred for their superior flavor and texture, but frozen shrimp can be a convenient alternative.

What can I use as a substitute for red pepper flakes if I don’t have any?

If you don’t have red pepper flakes on hand, you can use a pinch of cayenne pepper or finely chopped fresh chili peppers to add a similar level of heat to the dish.

Can I make this dish ahead of time and reheat it later?

While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can certainly make this dish ahead of time and reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Add a splash of water or olive oil to revive the flavors and prevent the pasta from drying out.

Is it necessary to use extra-virgin olive oil, or can I use regular olive oil?

Extra-virgin olive oil is preferred for its superior flavor and aroma, but you can use regular olive oil if that’s what you have on hand.

Just keep in mind that the flavor may not be as rich and robust.

Can I omit the Parmesan cheese for a dairy-free option?

Absolutely! While Parmesan cheese adds richness and flavor to the dish, you can omit it for a dairy-free version.

Alternatively, you can use a dairy-free cheese substitute if desired.

What can I serve as side dishes with this pasta?

This pasta dish pairs well with a variety of side dishes, including a simple green salad, garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or a crusty baguette for soaking up the delicious sauce.

Can I use pre-minced garlic instead of fresh garlic cloves?

While fresh garlic provides the best flavor, you can use pre-minced garlic as a convenient alternative.

Just be sure to adjust the quantity to taste, as pre-minced garlic may have a slightly milder flavor.

How long does it take to cook the prawns?

The cooking time for the prawns will vary depending on their size and whether they are fresh or frozen.

Generally, it takes only a few minutes to cook fresh prawns until they are pink and opaque and cooked through.

Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become tough and rubbery.