Angel Hair Pasta With Garlic Butter Shrimp

Name: Angel Hair Pasta With Garlic Butter Shrimp
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 8 oz angel hair pasta; 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 4 tbsp unsalted butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped; 1 lemon, juiced; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Everyday Comfort Meals

I absolutely love making Angel Hair Pasta with Garlic Butter Shrimp because it perfectly combines delicate pasta with succulent shrimp. The buttery garlic sauce brings everything together, creating a dish that's both simple and luxurious. Whenever I crave something comforting yet impressive, this recipe never fails to deliver. It’s quick to prepare, making it ideal for weeknights or special occasions alike. Plus, the fresh parsley and a hint of lemon add a delightful brightness that elevates the entire meal.

Created by

Summer Blake

Last updated on 2026-02-23T20:56:48.131Z

When I first experimented with this dish, I was amazed at how quickly it came together. The combination of garlic and butter is a classic that always delights. I started by sautéing the shrimp just until they turned pink, ensuring they remained tender and juicy. The angel hair pasta cooks in mere minutes, making it a perfect match for the quick-cooking shrimp.

One of my favorite tips is to save a little pasta water when draining; it’s the secret to making the sauce cling beautifully to the pasta. A splash of it enhances the creaminess of the dish while bringing everything together. It’s a trick I learned from a seasoned chef that takes this simple recipe to the next level!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Deliciously rich garlic butter flavor.
Perfectly cooked shrimp that adds a touch of luxury.
A quick and easy meal ready in just 25 minutes.

Perfecting the Pasta

Cooking angel hair pasta requires precise timing as it can overcook quickly. To achieve the ideal texture, keep an eye on the clock and taste the pasta around the 3-minute mark. You want it al dente, with a slight bite to it. If you find yourself cutting it too close, pull it from the heat once it's done; it will continue to cook slightly from residual heat while it drains.

Using salted water is key to enhancing the flavor of the pasta itself. Make sure to use about one tablespoon of salt per gallon of water. This step ensures that the pasta has a flavorful base before it even meets the garlic butter sauce, elevating the overall dish.

Sautéing Shrimp to Perfection

When it comes to cooking shrimp, timing is crucial. Overcooked shrimp can become rubbery and lose their delicate flavor. In the skillet, they should only need about 3-4 minutes until they turn a bright pink and opaque. To prevent overcooking, check them frequently and remove them from the heat as soon as they reach this stage.

A tip I like to use is to add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the butter while cooking the garlic to introduce a subtle heat that complements the dish beautifully. This little addition can transform the flavor profile, making each bite more exciting.

Final Touches and Serving Suggestions

Tossing the pasta with a bit of the reserved pasta water not only helps the sauce adhere better but also enriches the overall texture. Aim for a saucy consistency, which often requires just a tablespoon or two of the starchy water. The sauce should coat the pasta without being watery.

For serving, consider adding grated Parmesan cheese on top for an additional layer of flavor, or serve with crusty bread to soak up the garlic butter sauce. A side salad with a light vinaigrette would also complement the richness of the dish, providing a refreshing balance.

Ingredients

For the Pasta and Shrimp

8 oz angel hair pasta
1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
4 tbsp unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1 lemon, juiced
Salt and pepper to taste

Enjoy your meal!

Instructions

Cook the Pasta

In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the angel hair pasta according to package instructions, about 4 minutes. Drain and reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water.

Sauté the Shrimp

In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook until they turn pink, about 3-4 minutes.

Combine and Serve

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the shrimp. Toss well, adding reserved pasta water as needed for creaminess. Stir in lemon juice and chopped parsley before serving.

Serve hot and enjoy!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking the shrimp. This will give the dish a slight kick without overpowering the garlic butter.

Ingredient Substitutions and Swaps

If you're looking for a lighter option, you can substitute the butter with olive oil or a plant-based butter alternative. This will create a slightly different flavor but still retains the essence of the garlic. Additionally, feel free to swap shrimp for cooked chicken or even sautéed vegetables—like zucchini or bell peppers—for a vegetarian version.

For a little tang, consider using lemon zest in addition to the lemon juice. Adding zest will enhance the citrus flavor without the acidity being too overpowering. If you're out of fresh parsley, basil or even fresh spinach can complement the dish nicely, bringing freshness without compromising the flavor.

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, place them in a skillet on low heat. Add a splash of water or extra butter to keep the dish moist and prevent it from drying out. Reheating over too high a temperature can also result in rubbery shrimp, so take your time warming it through.

For longer storage, you can freeze the shrimp pasta for up to a month. However, remember that the texture of the shrimp may change slightly after freezing. To reheat, allow it to defrost in the refrigerator overnight, then follow the reheating tips to ensure a delicious revival of flavors.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, frozen shrimp works fine. Just make sure to thaw it properly before cooking.

→ What can I substitute for angel hair pasta?

You can substitute with spaghetti or fettuccine if you prefer a different pasta shape.

→ Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative like olive oil or coconut oil.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a little water to avoid drying out.