Lemon Shrimp Angel Hair Pasta: Why It’s 1 Family Fave

Introduction

Lemon Shrimp Angel Hair Pasta is a quick and flavorful dish perfect for any night. It combines tender shrimp with a zesty lemon-garlic sauce over thin pasta. This recipe is easy to make and tastes delicious.

Why Make This Recipe

You will love this recipe because it is quick to prepare, taking less than 30 minutes. It has a bright and fresh taste from the lemon and shrimp. This dish is light yet satisfying, making it a good choice for a weeknight meal. It looks fancy but is simple to cook, and most people enjoy it.

How to Make Lemon Shrimp Angel Hair Pasta

Making Lemon Shrimp Angel Hair Pasta involves cooking pasta, sautéing shrimp, and then building a quick lemon-garlic sauce. You combine everything in one pan at the end for a flavorful meal.

Ingredients of Lemon Shrimp Angel Hair Pasta

For the Pasta:

• Angel Hair Pasta or other thin pasta
• Salt for pasta water

For the Zesty Sauce:

• Fresh Lemon Juice
• Fresh Lemon Zest
• Garlic Cloves, minced
• Olive Oil
• Chicken or Vegetable Broth
• Butter
• Red Pepper Flakes (optional, for a little heat)

For the Star of the Show:

• Large Shrimp, peeled and deveined
• Fresh Parsley, chopped
• Parmesan Cheese, grated (for serving)

Directions of Lemon Shrimp Angel Hair Pasta

1. Cook the Pasta: Cook angel hair pasta in well-salted water according to package directions until it is al dente (a little firm to the bite). Before draining, save about 1 cup of the pasta water. Drain the pasta.

1. Sauté the Shrimp: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 1-2 minutes on each side until they turn pink and are no longer see-through. Take the shrimp out of the pan and set them aside.

1. Build the Zesty Sauce: In the same pan, lower the heat to medium. Add more olive oil if you need it. Cook the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until it smells good.

1. Simmer the Sauce: Add chicken or vegetable broth, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes (if you are using them). Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

1. Enrich the Sauce: Stir in the butter and lemon zest until the butter melts and everything mixes together.

1. Combine and Toss: Add the cooked angel hair pasta to the pan with the sauce. Toss it to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.

1. Return the Shrimp: Gently add the cooked shrimp and chopped fresh parsley to the pan. Toss everything again until it is well combined and heated through.

How to Serve Lemon Shrimp Angel Hair Pasta

Serve this pasta with a simple green salad with a light dressing. Crusty bread is good for soaking up the sauce. Roasted asparagus or broccoli also goes well with it.

How to Store Lemon Shrimp Angel Hair Pasta

Store any leftover Lemon Shrimp Angel Hair Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. When reheating, do it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. You might want to add a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce.

Tips to Make Lemon Shrimp Angel Hair Pasta

• Do not overcook the shrimp: Shrimp cook fast. If you cook them too long, they become tough.
• Use fresh lemon: Fresh lemon juice gives the best, brightest taste.
• Use pasta water: The starchy water from the pasta helps make the sauce thick and smooth. Do not skip this step.
• Season as you go: Always taste and add salt and pepper during cooking.

Variation

• Spicier dish: Add more red pepper flakes, or a little bit of cayenne pepper, for more heat.
• Creamier texture: Stir in one or two tablespoons of heavy cream at the end for a richer sauce.
• Add vegetables: Cook cherry tomatoes, spinach, or asparagus with the garlic for more color and nutrients.
• Different herbs: Try fresh dill or basil instead of parsley for a different flavor.

FAQs

• Can I make Lemon Shrimp Angel Hair Pasta ahead of time?
• It is best to eat this dish fresh. You can cook the pasta and sauce separately, but add the shrimp just before serving.

• What kind of shrimp should I use for Lemon Shrimp Angel Hair Pasta?
• Use medium to large raw shrimp that are peeled and deveined. You can use fresh shrimp or thawed frozen shrimp.

• Is Lemon Shrimp Angel Hair Pasta healthy?
• Yes, this dish is quite light. It has lean protein from shrimp and vitamins from lemon and parsley. You can use whole wheat angel hair pasta to make it even healthier.

Zesty Lemon Garlic Shrimp Angel Hair Pasta

This quick and flavorful pasta dish features tender shrimp, delicate angel hair, and a vibrant lemon-garlic sauce. Perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings 4 servings

Calories 475 kcal

Equipment

• Large Pot
• Large Skillet

Ingredients

  

For the Pasta

• 8 oz Angel Hair Pasta
• 2 tsp Salt for pasta water

For the Zesty Sauce

• 1/4 cup Fresh Lemon Juice
• 1 tbsp Fresh Lemon Zest
• 4 Garlic Cloves minced
• 3 tbsp Olive Oil divided
• 1/2 cup Chicken or Vegetable Broth
• 2 tbsp Unsalted Butter
• 1/2 tsp Red Pepper Flakes optional

For the Star of the Show

• 1 lb Large Shrimp peeled and deveined
• 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley chopped
• 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese grated (for serving)

Instructions

 

Main Course

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then cook angel hair pasta until al dente, reserving 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
• In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat and cook the shrimp for 1-2 minutes per side until opaque and pink, then remove and set aside.
• Reduce heat to medium, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and minced garlic to the same skillet, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
• Pour in the broth, fresh lemon juice, and red pepper flakes (if using); bring to a gentle simmer and reduce slightly for 1-2 minutes.
• Stir in the butter and fresh lemon zest until the butter is completely melted and fully incorporated into the sauce.
• Add the cooked angel hair pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat evenly, and add reserved pasta water if needed to reach your desired sauce consistency.
• Gently fold the cooked shrimp and chopped fresh parsley into the pasta, tossing briefly until combined and heated through.
• Divide the pasta among serving plates, garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and parsley if desired, and serve immediately.

Notes

Do not overcook the shrimp to ensure they remain tender. Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level. If the sauce becomes too thick, use the reserved pasta water to thin it to your desired consistency.