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Quick 15-Minute Shrimp Scampi Recipe with Angel Hair Pasta Easy and Delicious

quick 15-minute shrimp scampi - featured image

A fast, flavorful shrimp scampi with angel hair pasta thatโ€™s perfect for weeknight dinners. Ready in under 15 minutes, it combines garlicky shrimp, lemon, and butter for a delicious, fuss-free meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (wild-caught if possible)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Juice of 1 large lemon (about 3 tablespoons)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 8 ounces angel hair pasta
  • Salt for pasta water (about 1 tablespoon per 4 quarts water)
  • 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional)
  • Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
  • A pinch of lemon zest (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add about 1 tablespoon salt per 4 quarts of water.
  2. Peel and devein the shrimp if not prepped already. Pat dry with paper towels.
  3. Cook the angel hair pasta in boiling water for 2-3 minutes or until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
  4. Meanwhile, heat a skillet over medium heat. Melt the butter, then add minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes. Sautรฉ for 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  5. Add the shrimp to the skillet. Cook for about 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Avoid overcooking.
  6. Optional: Pour in white wine and let it simmer for 1-2 minutes to reduce slightly, scraping any browned bits from the pan.
  7. Add lemon juice and chopped parsley. Stir to combine, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
  8. Toss the drained angel hair pasta into the skillet. Add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce and coat the pasta evenly. Stir gently.
  9. Remove from heat. Taste and adjust seasoning with extra lemon juice or butter if desired.
  10. Serve immediately, garnished with additional parsley and Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the pan to avoid steaming shrimp. Use room temperature shrimp for even cooking. Watch garlic closely to prevent burning. Reserve pasta water to help bind the sauce. Work quickly after draining pasta to prevent clumping. For dairy-free, substitute butter with olive oil and reduce heat slightly.

Nutrition

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