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Flavorful Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Angel Hair Pasta

garlic butter shrimp scampi - featured image

A quick and easy garlic butter shrimp scampi with delicate angel hair pasta, perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. This dish features tender shrimp in a silky, garlicky butter sauce with bright lemon and fresh parsley.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz angel hair pasta (225 g)
  • 1 lb raw shrimp, peeled and deveined (450 g)
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter, divided (60 g)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup white wine (60 ml) or chicken broth
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz angel hair pasta and cook according to package instructions, about 2-3 minutes until just al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/4 cup pasta water.
  2. While pasta cooks, pat 1 lb peeled and deveined shrimp dry with paper towels. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
  3. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil and 2 tbsp unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook about 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
  4. Reduce heat to medium. Add remaining 2 tbsp butter to skillet, then add minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté about 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly.
  5. Pour in 1/4 cup white wine (or chicken broth) and 2 tbsp lemon juice. Scrape browned bits from pan bottom and simmer gently for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
  6. Return shrimp and drained pasta to skillet. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time if sauce is too thick. Toss gently for 1-2 minutes to combine and warm through.
  7. Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Sprinkle chopped parsley over the dish and toss gently.
  8. Serve immediately while sauce is silky and pasta is tender.

Notes

Watch shrimp carefully to avoid overcooking and rubbery texture. Use fresh garlic and fresh lemon juice for best flavor. Reserve pasta water to loosen sauce if needed. For dairy-free, substitute butter with vegan margarine or extra olive oil. Gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles can be used as alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: shrimp scampi, garlic butter shrimp, angel hair pasta, quick dinner, easy pasta recipe, seafood pasta, weeknight meal