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Quick 15-Minute Shrimp Scampi with Angel Hair Pasta

quick 15-minute shrimp scampi - featured image

A simple, quick shrimp scampi recipe featuring garlic butter sauce and delicate angel hair pasta, perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 8 ounces angel hair pasta
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium lemon, juiced and zested
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup white wine or chicken broth

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add angel hair pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually 3–4 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/4 cup pasta water.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil and 2 tablespoons unsalted butter. Once melted and hot, add shrimp seasoned lightly with salt and pepper.
  3. Sauté shrimp for about 2 minutes per side until opaque and pink but not rubbery. Remove shrimp from pan and set aside.
  4. To the same skillet, add remaining 2 tablespoons butter and minced garlic. Stir constantly for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  5. Add white wine or chicken broth. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly.
  6. Stir in lemon juice and zest, and red pepper flakes if using. Season sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Return shrimp to the skillet. Toss to coat in the sauce and heat through, about 1 minute.
  8. Add drained angel hair pasta to the pan. Toss everything together gently, adding reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time if needed to loosen the sauce.
  9. Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley. Give it one last gentle toss.
  10. Serve immediately, optionally topped with grated Parmesan cheese.

Notes

Watch shrimp closely to avoid overcooking and rubbery texture. Reserve pasta water to loosen sauce and help it cling to pasta. Use fresh shrimp and garlic for best flavor. Optionally finish with a splash of heavy cream for richness. For dairy-free, substitute butter with vegan butter or olive oil. Gluten-free pasta can be used as a substitute for angel hair pasta.

Nutrition

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