Simple, quick, and flavorful: Angel Hair Pasta With Shrimp ticks all the boxes.
Need a main dish that is ready quickly? Instead of picking up takeout or resorting to the usual burger or pizza, consider pasta and seafood. Both elements usually cook quickly and deliver filling flavor without much effort or time required. Angel hair pasta with shrimp is a great example of a pasta-seafood main that you will want on repeat, whether for your own dinner or having friends over.
While making a pasta dish like angel hair pasta and shrimp is not rocket science, there are a few keys to making it taste great every time. Since the cook time for both the pasta and the shrimp is so quick, it’s a good idea to follow what the French call mise en place. This is a fancy term for getting all of your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start actually cooking. It’s a simple step that makes the whole process smooth and prevents any overcooking.
You will love angel hair pasta with shrimp for a weeknight dinner or for company. The delicate angel hair pasta is the perfect balance for the tender, briny shrimp. Olive oil, butter, garlic, shallots, and Parmesan cheese all help to bind the dish and add depth of flavor. To carry on the French theme, the coup de grâce is the fresh lemon juice and zest. It brings a piquancy and vibrancy to the pasta, seasonings, and shrimp, making it a filling but never heavy main dish.
What is a shallot?
Shallots belong to the allium family, just like onions, leeks, and garlic. It has a papery outer skin like an onion and a creamy white color with hints of lavender. When cooked, however, it is a bit sweeter and milder than an onion, making it a perfect addition to this dish with its delicate textures. Look for shallots in the produce section, and when selecting them, look for golf ball-sized ones. The smaller ones tend to have a sweeter flavor.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Freezing is not recommended. Leftovers will keep in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, toss with some olive oil and reheat over low in a nonstick skillet. You can also reheat leftovers in the microwave, but be careful not to overcook, or the shrimp will become tough.
Serving suggestions
Angel hair pasta with shrimp is a pretty dish to serve and goes with lots of different sides. For me, bread is a must. Pair this dish with a slice of crusty bread or these make-ahead Olive Garden Breadsticks. If you want to serve a crisp green salad or Caesar salad, either of those would work well and add color to your table. You can also serve a warm side, such as Air-Fryer Asparagus or Broccoli Rabe. Whichever side you choose, make sure it’s as easy and simple as this delicious main dish.
Angel Hair Pasta With Shrimp
Ingredients Â
- 8 ounces angel hair pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter divided
- 16 ounces large shrimp peeled and deveined
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 shallot minced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 lemon zested and juiced
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
InstructionsÂ
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the angel hair pasta and cook for 4-5 minutes until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water and then drain the pasta.
- While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet with the shallots. Cook the shrimp for about 2 minutes per side until they turn pink.
- Lower the heat to medium-low. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and remaining butter until melted. Then add the drained pasta and gradually add just enough pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
- Toss gently until the pasta and shrimp are well coated with the sauce. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley before serving.
Leave a Comment