If you’ve ever dreamed of a dish that feels elegant yet comes together in a flash, this Shrimp Scampi with Angel Hair Pasta Recipe is exactly what you need. It combines tender, garlicky shrimp with delicate angel hair pasta, all bathed in a buttery white wine sauce that’s brightened by fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon. Every bite is a perfect harmony of flavors and textures that will have your taste buds dancing and your dinner guests swooning. This classic Italian-American favorite is surprisingly simple to make but delivers that restaurant-quality wow-factor right in your own kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the short list fool you—each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating this flavorful shrimp scampi masterpiece. From the silky butter to the punchy garlic and fresh parsley, these basics combine to build layers of irresistible taste and eye-catching color.
- Angel hair pasta (8 oz): Its thin strands cook quickly and soak up the sauce perfectly without overpowering the delicate shrimp.
- Butter (3 tbsp): Adds a rich, creamy base that helps meld the flavors together beautifully in the pan.
- Shrimp, peeled and deveined (1 lb): The star protein of the dish, quick-cooking and succulent when prepared just right.
- Garlic, minced (4 cloves): Brings a fragrant, savory punch that elevates the whole dish with its aromatic warmth.
- Dry white wine (½ cup): Introduces a subtle tang and depth that balances butter’s richness while helping to build a flavorful sauce.
- Ground black pepper (½ tsp): Adds just the right hint of spice to keep every bite interesting.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (¼ cup): Sprinkled on top to offer nutty, salty contrast and a touch of gooey luxury.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (2 tbsp): Brightens the dish visually and offers a fresh herbal note that cuts through the richness.
- Lemon wedges: Essential for serving, providing a zesty finish that brings the flavors alive with a citrusy pop.
How to Make Shrimp Scampi with Angel Hair Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the angel hair pasta and cook it just until al dente, around 4 to 5 minutes. This ensures the pasta holds a slight bite and won’t turn mushy when tossed with the sauce. Drain the pasta carefully and keep it warm, ready to soak up all that delicious shrimp scampi sauce.
Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp
Next, melt the butter in a spacious skillet over medium heat. Once it’s bubbling, toss in the minced garlic and sauté for one fragrant minute—this step infuses the butter with garlicky goodness without letting the garlic burn. Add the shrimp, cooking on each side until they turn a lovely pink and become opaque, which usually takes about 3 to 5 minutes. Keep an eye on them, as shrimp cook quickly and you want tender, not rubbery.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
Pour in the dry white wine to deglaze the pan, stirring to lift any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom. Season with ground black pepper, then bring the mixture to a boil. Let it simmer briefly for about 30 seconds, which allows the alcohol to evaporate and reduces the wine slightly, concentrating its bright, tangy notes right within the buttery base.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Now for the magic moment—add the drained angel hair pasta directly into the skillet with the shrimp and sauce. Toss everything gently but thoroughly to coat each strand with that luscious sauce. This step melds all the flavors together so every bite bursts with buttery, garlicky, wine-infused goodness combined with juicy shrimp.
Step 5: Garnish & Serve
Finish the dish by generously sprinkling grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley over the top. The cheese melts slightly, adding cheesy depth, while the parsley freshens things up. Serve immediately alongside lemon wedges so everyone can add a spritz of citrus, brightening and lifting each mouthful with a zesty zing.
How to Serve Shrimp Scampi with Angel Hair Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Beyond the Parmesan and parsley, a few additional garnishes can personalize your shrimp scampi experience beautifully. A little extra cracked black pepper, a dusting of red pepper flakes if you crave heat, or thin lemon zest strips can elevate the dish with pops of color and subtle flavor nuances that make it feel extra special without complicating the simple elegance.
Side Dishes
Since this Shrimp Scampi with Angel Hair Pasta Recipe shines on its own, side dishes should complement rather than compete. Crisp garden greens lightly dressed in vinaigrette, a roasted vegetable medley, or a warm crusty bread to soak up leftover sauce will round out your meal perfectly. Steamed asparagus or a bright Caesar salad are classic, crowd-pleasing options to balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For dinner parties or special occasions, consider presenting this shrimp scampi in a large wide bowl to show off its vibrant colors. Garnish with whole sprigs of parsley and artful lemon wedges arranged around the rim. For an elegant twist, serve individual portions in shallow dishes topped with a twist of lemon zest and a sprinkle of Parmesan shards for texture contrast. The visual appeal will have guests eager to dig in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftover Shrimp Scampi with Angel Hair Pasta Recipe (which is rare, but it can happen!), store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will remain fresh for up to 2 days. Keep the lemon wedges separate to avoid sogginess, and add fresh parsley before serving again for a burst of freshness.
Freezing
Freezing shrimp scampi is generally not recommended because the delicate shrimp can become rubbery and the pasta mushy after thawing. However, if you must freeze, portion out the shrimp and sauce separately from the pasta, then freeze each in sealable bags for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating gently.
Reheating
To reheat leftovers, warm the shrimp and sauce slowly on low heat to prevent overcooking the shrimp. Add a splash of water or white wine if the sauce thickens too much. Warm the pasta separately or toss everything together quickly just before serving to maintain the perfect balance of texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking. This helps the shrimp sear nicely in the butter and absorb all those lovely flavors.
What can I substitute for dry white wine?
If you prefer not to use wine, chicken broth or vegetable broth makes a great substitute. It won’t have quite the same acidity but still adds depth and richness to the sauce.
Is angel hair pasta the only pasta that works?
Angel hair is traditional because it cooks quickly and pairs well with light sauces. But if you want, thin spaghetti or vermicelli can also work beautifully in this dish.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Simply swap out the angel hair pasta for a gluten-free version made from rice or corn. Just watch the cooking time, as gluten-free pasta often cooks a bit faster or slower.
Can I add vegetables to this Shrimp Scampi with Angel Hair Pasta Recipe?
Definitely! Adding spinach, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus tips can boost color, nutrition, and flavor. Just toss these in when you add the shrimp to give them time to cook gently.
Final Thoughts
This Shrimp Scampi with Angel Hair Pasta Recipe is a true kitchen hero—delicious, fast, and elegant all at once. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners when you want something special without a fuss, or for impressing guests with a timeless seafood classic. Give it a try, and I promise it’ll become one of your go-to recipes whenever you crave that hearty, buttery, garlicky goodness wrapped up in delicate pasta. Happy cooking!
Print
Shrimp Scampi with Angel Hair Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Shrimp Scampi with Pasta recipe offers a quick and delicious meal combining tender shrimp sautéed in garlic butter and white wine sauce, tossed with delicate angel hair pasta. It’s perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner with its vibrant garlic and lemon notes.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 oz angel hair pasta
Shrimp and Sauce
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup dry white wine
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
Garnish
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the angel hair pasta and cook until al dente, about 4-5 minutes. Drain the pasta and keep it warm while preparing the shrimp and sauce.
- Sauté the Shrimp: In a large pan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Add the shrimp and cook until they turn pink and opaque, approximately 3-5 minutes.
- Prepare the Sauce: Pour the dry white wine into the pan with the shrimp. Season with ground black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then let it simmer for 30 seconds to enhance the flavors and slightly reduce the liquid.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the pan with the shrimp and sauce. Toss everything together gently to ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the garlic butter and wine sauce.
- Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese and fresh chopped parsley over the pasta. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the dish to add a fresh, zesty flavor.
Notes
- Use fresh shrimp for the best flavor and texture.
- If you prefer non-alcoholic, substitute the white wine with chicken broth or vegetable stock.
- Angel hair pasta cooks very quickly, so watch it closely to avoid overcooking.
- For extra richness, add a splash of heavy cream to the sauce before combining with pasta.
- Garnish with additional parsley or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
