Description
Transport yourself to the Mediterranean with this vibrant and flavorful Garlic Lemon Shrimp Scampi with Fresh Angel Hair Pasta. Succulent jumbo shrimp are sautéed to perfection, tossed in a rich garlic-lemon butter sauce, and served with delicate angel hair pasta. This quick and elegant recipe is perfect for both busy weeknights and special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds of jumbo shrimp, peeled and cleaned
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup white wine (dry, such as Sauvignon Blanc)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 4 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 5 cherry tomatoes, sliced
- Salt, to taste
- Ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh angel hair pasta (enough for 4 servings)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the fresh angel hair pasta and cook according to package instructions (usually 2-3 minutes).
- Drain the pasta, reserving ½ cup of pasta water, and set aside.
2. Cook the Shrimp
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the peeled and cleaned shrimp to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper.
- Sauté the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Garlic Lemon Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
- Pour in the white wine, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Stir to combine.
- Simmer the sauce for about 5 minutes to reduce slightly and concentrate the flavors.
4. Combine the Ingredients
- Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Toss them gently in the sauce until they are fully coated.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, and sliced cherry tomatoes. Cook for 1-2 minutes to heat through.
5. Add the Pasta
- Add the cooked angel hair pasta to the skillet. Toss gently to coat the pasta in the garlic lemon sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
6. Final Touches
- Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if necessary.
7. Serve and Garnish
- Transfer the pasta and shrimp scampi to serving plates.
- Garnish with more chopped parsley, additional Parmesan cheese, and a wedge of lemon, if desired.
Notes
- Shrimp: Jumbo shrimp work best for this recipe because they stay juicy and tender. If using smaller shrimp, adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Wine Substitute: If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, replace the wine with chicken broth for a similar depth of flavor.
- Pasta Water: The starchy pasta water helps create a silky sauce that clings to the noodles. Don’t skip this step!
- Make it Spicy: For a kick of heat, add red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic.
- Extra Vegetables: Toss in baby spinach, asparagus, or zucchini for added color and nutrients.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired