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This classic Italian-American dish combines succulent shrimp with a symphony of flavors, including garlic, butter, and chicken broth. The tender angle hair pasta pairs perfectly with the shrimp for a dish that is comforting without feeling heavy. Shrimp Scampi Pasta gets on your table and in your tummy in no time!
This recipe requires minimal effort, making it ideal for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings. But don’t let the simple preparation fool you – Shrimp Scampi Pasta is full of flavor! With garlic, fresh parsley and lemon zest, your dish will have depth and brightness.
Table of Contents
Why I Love This Recipe
- It’s fast. Shrimp and pasta both cook fast so dinner can be on the table in about 20 minutes!
- It’s delicious. Rich flavor, tender shrimp and buttery noodles — mm-mmmh!
- It’s simple. Can you operate a stove top? Yes? Then this recipe is for you!
Shrimp Scampi Ingredients
- Angel hair pasta: Angel hair pasta cooks quickly, and is a delicate pasta that pairs well with delicate shrimp.
- Shrimp: Peeled and deveined is the easiest shrimp to buy. You can use fresh or frozen.
- Olive oil: Used for sauteing the shrimp, but you can also use butter if you like.
- Sauce base: Chicken broth and lemon juice provide the base for our light sauce.Substitute the chicken broth with white wine for even more flavor.
- Spices: The base is flavored with spices including garlic, salt, black and red pepper, parsley, oregano and lemon zest.
- Parmesan cheese: Melted with hot water and the sauce base, Parmesan completes the sauce and flavor profile.
How To Make Shrimp Scampi With Angel Hair Pasta
Step 1: Prepare the pasta. In a large pot with salted water, cook the angel hair pasta according to the package instructions. Once done, reserve ½ cup of pasta water and drain the remaining water; set it aside.
Step 2: Cook the shrimp. Meanwhile, heat a large skillet with oil on medium heat. Once the oil is heated, add the shrimp, season it with salt and pepper. Cook for 2 minutes until the shrimp starts to turn pink and transfer the cooked shrimp to a plate; set aside.
Step 3: Deglaze the skillet. To the same skillet, stir in the chicken broth and minced garlic. Deglaze the skillet and allow the broth to simmer for a couple of minutes.
Step 4: Simmer the sauce. Add the lemon juice along with the spices—crushed red pepper flakes, lemon zest, parsley, and oregano. Let the sauce simmer for 4-5 minutes.
Step 5: Toss shrimp and pasta. Add the cooked pasta and Parmesan cheese to the skillet and toss with shrimp and sauce for 2 minutes. If needed, add the reserve pasta water and toss it.
Step 6: Garnish and serve. Finally, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley, garnish with lemon wedges, and serve the shrimp scampi while it is still warm.
Tips To Make This Recipe
- Don’t Overcook Shrimp: Cook the shrimp just until they turn pink to avoid overcooking and maintaining their tenderness. Overcooked shrimp can become rubbery, so watch closely.
- Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh garlic and lemons for the best flavor.
- Pasta: Cook the angel hair pasta al dente, as it continues cooking briefly when combined with the shrimp.
What to Serve with Shrimp Scampi Pasta
Serve with a side of Roasted Garlic Bread, Cheesy Popovers, Low Carb Garlic Bread, a Mozzarella Caprese Salad or Brussels Sprouts Salad for a complete and satisfying meal. Other delicious sides include Air Fryer Parmesan Asparagus, Cheesy Broccoli Bites, or Italian Pastina Soup.
Storing and Reheating
Storing: Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate promptly. If possible, store the shrimp separately from the pasta to maintain their texture.
To Reheat: Gently reheat on the stovetop over low to medium heat. Add a splash of broth or water if it seems dry. Be cautious not to overheat to prevent the shrimp from becoming tough.
Freezing: While you can technically freeze shrimp scampi pasta, it’s not the ideal choice because the texture of the shrimp and pasta may change upon thawing. Freshly made shrimp scampi pasta is often the best way to enjoy its flavors and textures.
Alternative Cooking Methods
Grilled Shrimp Scampi: While traditionally cooked on the stovetop, you can also prepare shrimp scampi in the oven or grill for a unique twist. Thread shrimp onto skewers. Brush with scampi mixture and grill until cooked. Baste during grilling for added flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Shrimp scampi is an Italian-American dish that typically involves sautéing shrimp in a garlic and butter sauce, often with added white wine and lemon juice. It’s commonly served over pasta.
You can use frozen shrimp but we recommend that you thaw the shrimp before cooking and pat them dry to prevent excess moisture.
Angle hair pasta has a light texture that pairs well with shimp but feel free to use other types of pasta. Linguine or spaghetti work well, but adjust cooking times accordingly.
Shrimp turns pink and opaque when fully cooked, usually in 2-3 minutes per side.
More Italian Recipes
- Chicken Scampi Pasta
- Pesto Shrimp Scampi with Pasta
- Stuffed Chicken Marsala
- Creamy Mushroom Pasta
- Spaghetti Alfredo
In summary, this Shrimp Scampi Angel Hair Pasta recipe is a symphony of flavors that transports you to the heart of Italy. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or treating yourself to a luxurious meal, this recipe is sure to impress. Enjoy this classic dish with crusty bread or a light salad for a delightful meal.
If you try this recipe or any of my other recipes, please leave a star rating in the comment section below because I love hearing from my readers. Also follow me at Cookin’ With Mima on FACEBOOK |INSTAGRAM |PINTEREST for all of my latest social posts and recipes.
Angel Hair Shrimp Scampi Pasta
Ingredients
- 8 ounce angel hair pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¾ cup low sodium chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- ⅓ cup parmesan cheese, grated
- ½ cup pasta cooked water
- Lemon wedges, to garnish
Instructions
- In a large pot with salted water, cook the angel hair pasta according to the package instructions. Once done, reserve ½ cup of pasta water and drain the remaining water; set it aside.
- Meanwhile, heat a large skillet with oil on medium heat. Once the oil is heated, add the shrimp, season it with salt and pepper. Cook for 2 minutes until the shrimp starts to turn pink and transfer the cooked shrimp to a plate; set aside.
- To the same skillet, stir in the chicken broth and minced garlic. Deglaze the skillet and allow the broth to simmer for a couple of minutes.
- Add the lemon juice along with the spices—crushed red pepper flakes, lemon zest, parsley, and oregano. Let the sauce simmer for 4-5 minutes.
- Add the cooked pasta and Parmesan cheese to the skillet and toss with shrimp and sauce for 2 minutes. If needed, add the reserve pasta water and toss it.
- Finally, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley, garnish with lemon wedges, and serve the shrimp scampi while it is still warm.
Notes
- Don’t Overcook Shrimp: Cook the shrimp just until they turn pink to avoid overcooking and maintaining their tenderness. Overcooked shrimp can become rubbery, so watch closely.
- Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh garlic and lemons for the best flavor.
- Pasta: Cook the angel hair pasta al dente, as it continues cooking briefly when combined with the shrimp.
