Shrimp Scampi With Angel Hair Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp peeled and deveined (tails optional)
- 8 ounces angel hair pasta
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- ¼ cup dry white wine or chicken broth
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for a spicy kick
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the angel hair pasta and cook according to package directions (about 3-4 minutes) until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and toss with a drizzle of olive oil.
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of butter with 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook.
- Deglaze the skillet by pouring in the white wine (or chicken broth) and let it simmer for 1 minute, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
- Stir in the lemon juice and remaining butter. Add the cooked angel hair pasta to the skillet and gently toss to combine, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time if the sauce needs thinning.
- Sprinkle chopped parsley over the dish and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.
Notes
For best results, use high quality, fresh shrimp. If using frozen shrimp, thaw them completely before cooking to ensure even cooking. Adjust the red pepper flakes to your desired spice level, and feel free to substitute the angel hair pasta with linguine or spaghetti if preferred. This dish is best served fresh, but if you have leftovers, reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of pasta water to maintain the sauce's texture. Enjoy a restaurant quality meal at home with this easy to follow recipe.
