If you’re craving a quick and delicious seafood dish, this Easy Lemon Shrimp Scampi with Angel Hair Pasta is perfect for you. With its vibrant lemony zest and tender shrimp, it brings a burst of freshness to your dinner table. Ready in no time, this recipe makes weeknight cooking a breeze, combining simple ingredients into a dish that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate. Get ready to enjoy a delightful meal that feels like a special occasion!
Steps
- Start by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. Add a tablespoon of salt and a drizzle of olive oil to prevent the pasta from sticking, then cook 3/4 pound of angel hair pasta according to the package instructions, which should take about 5 minutes.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat 3 tablespoons of butter and 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until it’s fragrant.
- Place the peeled and deveined shrimp in a single layer in the skillet. Season with a teaspoon of salt and a quarter teaspoon of black pepper, and sauté for approximately 2 minutes on each side until the shrimp turn pink.
- Once the shrimp are cooked, remove them from the heat. Stir in half a tablespoon of lemon zest, a third of a cup of chopped fresh parsley, a quarter cup of lemon juice, and an eighth of a teaspoon of red pepper flakes.
- Combine the shrimp mixture with the drained pasta. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the sauce and the shrimp are evenly distributed.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon salt
- Drizzle of olive oil (for boiling water)
- 3/4 pound angel hair pasta (or preferred pasta)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (approximately 1 1/2 tablespoons)
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (16-20 or 21-25 per pound)
- 1 teaspoon salt (for shrimp)
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/3 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1/2 tablespoon grated lemon zest (from half a lemon)
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 1.5 to 2 lemons)
- 1/8 teaspoon hot red pepper flakes
FAQ
- Can I use a different type of pasta instead of angel hair?
- Absolutely! While angel hair pasta is recommended for its delicate texture, you can substitute it with your preferred pasta type. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.
- Is it necessary to peel and devein the shrimp myself?
- It’s recommended to buy peeled and deveined shrimp to save time. However, avoid purchasing pre-cooked shrimp as they can become rubbery when cooked further. If you choose to peel and devein yourself, make a single slice down the back of the shrimp to remove the vein and rinse thoroughly.
- What can I serve with the Lemon Shrimp Scampi?
- This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of toasted bread and steamed green beans. These additions can create a well-rounded meal that’s both satisfying and impressive for guests.
- How can I prevent the pasta from sticking together?
- Adding a drizzle of olive oil to the boiling water can help keep the pasta from sticking. Ensure you stir occasionally while cooking, and follow the recommended cooking time for angel hair pasta, which is typically just 5 minutes.
- How do I ensure the shrimp doesn’t become rubbery?
- To avoid overcooking, sauté the shrimp until they just turn pink, which should take about 2 minutes on each side. Overcooking shrimp is the main reason they become rubbery.
- Can I make this dish less spicy?
- Certainly! If you prefer a milder dish, simply reduce or omit the hot red pepper flakes. You can always add more later if you want extra heat.
Tips
- Prepare all your ingredients in advance, as the pasta cooks rapidly. This will ensure a smooth cooking process and help you avoid any last-minute scrambling.
- When peeling and deveining shrimp, take your time to make a clean cut along the back. This not only ensures a beautiful presentation but also removes any unwanted residue.
- Be cautious not to overcook the shrimp; they should be sautéed just until they turn pink. Overcooked shrimp can become rubbery, detracting from the dish’s overall texture.
- Enhance the flavor of the pasta by adding a bit of olive oil to the boiling water. This will prevent the pasta from sticking together, resulting in a perfect al dente texture.
Equipment
- Heavy-bottomed skillet
- Garlic press (for mincing garlic)
- Zester or Microplane (for grating lemon zest)
