Quick and Flavorful Shrimp Scampi with Angel Hair Pasta

Shrimp scampi over angel hair pasta is one of those meals that feels restaurant-worthy but is surprisingly simple to make at home. Light, garlicky, buttery, and just a little zesty from lemon—it’s the kind of dinner that wins over everyone at the table. The best part? It comes together in under 30 minutes, so it works even on a busy weeknight.

If you’ve ever craved a classic Italian-American pasta dish that tastes comforting but not too heavy, this shrimp scampi recipe will definitely hit the spot.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 8 oz angel hair pasta
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ cup dry white wine (or chicken broth if you prefer)
• Juice of 1 fresh lemon (plus extra wedges for serving)
• ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for topping (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the angel hair pasta until al dente—usually just 3–4 minutes. Drain and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water.
2. Sauté shrimp: In a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer, season lightly with salt and pepper, and cook for about 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Transfer shrimp to a plate.
3. Make the sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and olive oil. Stir in the garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook for about 1 minute, just until fragrant (don’t let the garlic burn). Deglaze with white wine, scraping up any brown bits, and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly reduced.
4. Bring it together: Add the lemon juice, cooked pasta, and shrimp back into the skillet. Toss everything gently, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce feels too thick.
5. Finish and serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and top with Parmesan if you like. Serve hot with extra lemon wedges on the side.

Time and Servings

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 4

Recipe Notes

• If you don’t want to use wine, chicken broth is a great swap.
• Angel hair cooks very quickly, so keep an eye on it—it can turn mushy fast.
• Jumbo shrimp look beautiful for presentation, but any medium-to-large size works.
• A pinch of red pepper flakes adds balance to the buttery sauce, though you can skip if you prefer mild.

Storage Instructions

Shrimp scampi is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers will keep:

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet with a splash of broth or water. Avoid microwaving for too long—it can overcook the shrimp.
• Freezing: Not recommended, since shrimp and pasta can lose their texture.

Nutrition Breakdown (Per Serving)

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Extra Tips to Make It Perfect

• Don’t overcrowd the shrimp in the pan—cook in batches if needed.
• Use fresh lemon juice, not bottled. It really makes a difference.
• Reserve pasta water. A splash makes the sauce silky and cling better to the pasta.
• If you want it creamier, stir in a splash of heavy cream at the end.

How to Serve Shrimp Scampi

This dish shines as the main course, but you can round out the meal:

• With a crisp green salad or Caesar salad
• Garlic bread or focaccia on the side
• A chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio

Kitchen Tools Needed

• Large pot for pasta
• Large skillet (nonstick or stainless)
• Wooden spoon or tongs for tossing pasta
• Sharp knife for garlic and parsley
• Citrus juicer (optional, but handy)

Health Benefits

Shrimp is naturally low in calories and rich in lean protein. It’s also a good source of selenium, vitamin B12, and omega-3 fatty acids, which support brain and heart health. Using olive oil adds healthy fats, while lemon brings a dose of vitamin C. Pairing with angel hair pasta keeps it light compared to heavier pasta dishes.

FAQs about Shrimp Scampi over Angel Hair Pasta

Q1: Can I make shrimp scampi without wine?
Yes, chicken broth or vegetable broth is a great substitute.

Q2: Can I use another pasta instead of angel hair?
Absolutely. Linguine and spaghetti both work well, though the texture will be a little different.

Q3: How do I know when shrimp is cooked?
Shrimp cooks quickly. When it turns pink and curls slightly into a “C” shape, it’s ready.

Q4: Can I make this dish spicy?
Yes, just add extra red pepper flakes or even a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Q5: Is shrimp scampi healthy?
It can be! Shrimp is lean and nutritious, and if you don’t overdo the butter, it’s a lighter pasta option compared to cream-based sauces.

Final Thoughts

This shrimp scampi over angel hair pasta recipe feels fancy enough for guests yet simple enough for weeknights. The buttery garlic sauce, bright lemon, and tender shrimp make a combination that’s hard not to love. I think it’s one of those dishes you’ll keep coming back to, maybe tweaking it slightly each time. A little more garlic, a splash more wine—everyone finds their version. That’s the beauty of homemade cooking: it’s never exactly the same twice, and that’s what makes it memorable.