Shrimp Scampi with Angel Hair Pasta

Indulge in the tantalizing flavors of succulent shrimp bathed in a luscious blend of tangy lemon, fragrant garlic, and rich white wine sauce, all nestled atop a bed of delicate angel hair pasta. This Shrimp Scampi with Angel Hair Pasta recipe promises a symphony of tastes and textures that will elevate any weeknight dinner or special occasion meal.

Quick to prepare yet elegant in presentation, it’s a dish that marries simplicity with sophistication, making it a favorite for both casual gatherings and intimate dinners. Whether you’re a seafood aficionado or simply seeking to delight your taste buds with a culinary masterpiece, this recipe is sure to become a beloved go-to in your repertoire.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of fresh shrimp, garlic, shallots, lemon zest, and parsley creates a symphony of flavors that burst in every bite.

Easy Preparation: With simple instructions and readily available ingredients, this recipe is easy to follow, making it perfect for both novice and experienced cooks alike.

Quick Cooking Time: Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish is ideal for busy weeknights when you want to put a delicious meal on the table without spending hours in the kitchen.

Versatility: While the recipe provides specific instructions, it also offers flexibility, allowing for substitutions or adjustments to suit personal preferences or dietary restrictions.

Restaurant-Quality Results: Despite its simplicity, this dish delivers restaurant-quality taste and presentation, making it suitable for both casual family dinners and special occasions.

Delicious Sauce: The buttery, garlic-infused white wine sauce, with a hint of lemon zest and parsley, coats the tender shrimp and pasta perfectly, ensuring each bite is rich and satisfying.

Customization Options: Whether adjusting the level of spice by controlling the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or experimenting with different types of pasta, this recipe encourages creativity and adaptation.

Satisfying Portion Sizes: With generous servings of shrimp and pasta, this dish satisfies hunger and leaves diners feeling fully satiated and content.

Leftover Potential: Any leftovers can be stored and reheated easily, allowing for enjoyment of this delicious meal over multiple days with minimal effort.

Positive Reviews: Based on frequently asked questions and notes provided with the recipe, it’s evident that this dish has received positive feedback and addresses common queries, ensuring a successful cooking experience for all who try it.

What You Need to Make Shrimp Scampi with Angel Hair Pasta

Angel Hair Pasta: Delicate and thin pasta that cooks quickly and pairs perfectly with the light sauce.

Shrimp: Large or extra-large shrimp, shelled and deveined, providing a delicious seafood element to the dish.

Butter and Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the garlic, shallots, and shrimp, adding richness and depth of flavor to the sauce.

Shallots and Garlic: Finely diced shallots and minced garlic contribute aromatic flavors to the dish.

Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Adds a subtle hint of heat to the sauce, enhancing its flavor profile.

Dry White Wine: Such as chardonnay or pinot grigio, which infuses the sauce with a tangy and slightly acidic taste.

Lemon Juice and Zest: Provides brightness and acidity to balance the richness of the butter and olive oil.

Kosher Salt and Black Pepper: Seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish and bring out the flavors of the ingredients.

Parsley: Chopped parsley adds a fresh and vibrant flavor, as well as a pop of color as a garnish.

How to make Shrimp Scampi with Angel Hair Pasta

Ingredients

16 ounces angel hair pasta

2 tablespoons butter divided

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil divided

2 small shallots finely diced

1 tablespoon minced garlic about 3-4 cloves

¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

1 ½ pounds large or extra-large shrimp shelled and deveined

½ cup dry white wine

½ teaspoon kosher salt plus more to taste

¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper plus more to taste

1 medium fresh lemon juice, and zest

⅓ cup chopped parsley

Instructions:

Step 1:

Bring a large pot of water to a rapid boil and salt well with kosher salt.

Add in the angel hair pasta and cook for 1 minute less than the package directions state.

Drain the pasta, reserving ¼ cup of the cooking liquid.

Step 2:

Once you drop the pasta into the water, heat 1 tablespoon of the butter and 2 tablespoons of the oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat.

Once the butter is melted, add in the garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, and shallots.

Sauté for 1 minute, just to begin to toast the shallots.

Step 3:

Add the shrimp, salt, and pepper to the skillet and sauté for just 2 minutes.

Remove the shrimp to a plate.

Step 4:

Add the wine, or stock, and lemon juice to the skillet, and scrape up any browned bits on the bottom of the pan.

Let the wine reduce by half and then add in the additional tablespoon of butter.

Once the butter has melted, add the shrimp back into the skillet.

Add the lemon zest cook for 1-2 minutes or until the shrimp is pink and firm.

Step 5:

Add the cooked pasta, reserved liquid, parsley, and an additional tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet and toss to coat.

Heat over low heat for 1 minute just to combine everything.

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately.

Notes

Shrimp: Use either large or extra-large shrimp, that is either fresh or defrosted. You can opt to use shrimps with shells on, which will enhance the flavor of the sauce. But just keep in mind they will take about 5-7 extra minutes to cook through.

White Wine: It is best to use dry white wine like chardonnay or pinot grigio. If you don’t drink wine, use low-sodium chicken stock.

Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Omit or cut in half if sensitive to spice. Although this amount is not overwhelming.

Shrimp Scampi without the Pasta: Omit the pasta from the recipe and reduce the oil from 3 tablespoons to 2 tablespoons.

Leftovers: Store leftover shrimp scampi in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Add a splash of stock or water before reheating to keep the pasta from drying out.

Cooking Pasta: Cook the angel hair pasta for 1 minute less than the package instructions suggest to ensure it’s al dente. Reserving some cooking liquid helps in adjusting the sauce consistency later.

Sautéing Aromatics: Toasting garlic, shallots, and crushed red pepper flakes in butter and olive oil adds depth of flavor to the dish.

Cooking Shrimp: Shrimp cooks quickly, taking only about 2 minutes per side. Remove them from the skillet as soon as they turn pink and firm to avoid overcooking.

Deglazing with Wine: Deglazing the skillet with white wine adds acidity and depth to the sauce. Let it reduce to concentrate flavors before adding butter and lemon juice.

Adjusting Seasoning: Taste the dish before serving and adjust salt, pepper, and other seasonings according to your preference.

Ingredient Substitutions: You can substitute dry white wine with seafood or chicken broth. If you’re sensitive to spice, reduce or omit the crushed red pepper flakes.

Variations: You can make shrimp scampi without pasta by omitting the pasta and reducing the amount of oil used. Serve the shrimp and sauce over vegetables or grains for a low-carb option.

Nutrition Information:

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, you can use different types of pasta if you prefer.

However, angel hair pasta works best for this dish because it cooks quickly and pairs well with the light sauce.

Can I substitute the white wine with something else?

Yes, if you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute it with seafood or chicken broth.

The wine adds flavor to the sauce, but broth will also work well.

How do I know when the shrimp is cooked?

Shrimp cooks very quickly, usually within 2-3 minutes per side.

Once the shrimp turns pink and opaque, and feels firm to the touch, it’s done.

What can I use instead of shallots?

If you don’t have shallots, you can use finely diced onions as a substitute.

The flavor will be slightly different, but it will still complement the dish.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

While this dish is best served fresh, you can prepare the components ahead of time and assemble them just before serving.

Keep the cooked pasta and cooked shrimp separate, and then toss them together with the sauce when you’re ready to serve.

Is it necessary to reserve some pasta cooking liquid?

Reserving some pasta cooking liquid helps to thin out the sauce and bind it to the pasta.

It’s not absolutely necessary, but it does help to achieve the desired consistency.

How spicy is this dish with the crushed red pepper flakes?

The crushed red pepper flakes add a subtle heat to the dish, but you can adjust the amount to suit your preference.

If you prefer less heat, you can reduce the amount or omit them altogether.

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp, but make sure to thaw them completely before cooking.

Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture before adding them to the skillet.

What should I serve with this shrimp scampi pasta?

This dish is delicious on its own but pairs well with a simple green salad or some crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

How should leftovers be stored?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of broth or water to prevent the pasta from drying out.