There’s something magical about the way garlic sizzles in butter. The moment those golden cloves hit the pan, the entire kitchen fills with a scent so intoxicating, it feels like home. If you’re like me, that first whiff of garlicky goodness is enough to make your stomach growl and your heart sigh. And when you add plump, juicy shrimp and delicate angel hair pasta to the mix? Well, that’s when the real magic happens.
This Easy Shrimp Scampi with Angel Hair is my go-to recipe when I want something luxurious but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. It’s the kind of dish that feels fancy enough for date night but simple enough for a Tuesday. The shrimp cook in minutes, the pasta is ready before you know it, and the sauce—oh, the sauce!—is a silky, lemony, garlicky dream that clings to every strand of pasta. One bite, and you’ll be transported to a cozy Italian trattoria, even if you’re just sitting at your kitchen table in sweatpants.
I first fell in love with shrimp scampi when my grandmother made it for me as a teenager. She served it with crusty bread for sopping up every last drop of sauce, and I remember thinking, “”This is what happiness tastes like.”” Now, decades later, I make it for my own family, and the joy it brings is just the same. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just treating yourself, this recipe is a little bowl of comfort you’ll return to again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in 20 minutes – Perfect for busy weeknights.
- Minimal ingredients – Most are pantry staples.
- Restaurant-quality taste – Buttery, garlicky, and oh-so-satisfying.
- Versatile – Swap shrimp for chicken or add veggies if you like.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 8 oz angel hair pasta
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
How to Make Easy Shrimp Scampi with Angel Hair
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the angel hair pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining. My favorite part? Angel hair cooks so quickly—you’ll have it ready in just 4-5 minutes!
Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant (don’t let it burn!). Toss in the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. If you’re like me, you’ll sneak a shrimp or two straight from the pan—quality control, right?
Step 3: Make the Sauce
Pour in the white wine (or broth) and lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Let it simmer for a minute or two to reduce slightly. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like a little kick. The aroma at this point is absolutely heavenly.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing gently to coat in the sauce. If it seems too dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and give it one final toss. Serve immediately with a generous dusting of Parmesan cheese.
Tips for the Best Shrimp Scampi
- Don’t overcook the shrimp! They should be just pink and curled—any longer, and they’ll turn rubbery.
- Use fresh garlic. The pre-minced stuff just doesn’t have the same punch.
- Save that pasta water! The starchy liquid helps the sauce cling to the noodles.
- Serve with crusty bread. Because you’ll want to mop up every last drop of sauce.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely! Just thaw them completely in the fridge overnight or under cold running water before cooking.
What can I substitute for white wine?
Chicken broth works beautifully, or you can use a splash of lemon juice mixed with water for extra brightness.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Shrimp scampi is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prep the ingredients in advance (chop garlic, peel shrimp) to save time.
Is angel hair pasta necessary?
I love how delicate it is, but linguine or spaghetti will work too—just adjust the cooking time.
How spicy is this dish?
The red pepper flakes add a subtle warmth, but you can leave them out or adjust to taste.
What sides go well with shrimp scampi?
A simple green salad, roasted asparagus, or garlic bread are all fantastic choices.
Let’s Share the Love!
There you have it—a dish that’s as easy as it is elegant. I’d love to hear how your shrimp scampi turns out! Did you add a twist? Maybe some cherry tomatoes or a sprinkle of crispy breadcrumbs? Leave a comment below or tag me on Instagram with your creations. Nothing makes me happier than seeing your kitchen adventures. Now go forth, cook with joy, and savor every buttery, garlicky bite!
“
