Butter Garlic Shrimp with Lemon over Angel Hair Pasta Recipe

If you’ve been searching for a dish that’s bursting with flavor yet comes together in a flash, look no further than this Butter Garlic Shrimp with Lemon over Angel Hair Pasta Recipe. It’s a dazzling combination of succulent shrimp cooked in rich butter and fragrant garlic, brightened up by a fresh squeeze of lemon, all tossed with delicate, perfectly cooked angel hair pasta. Every bite sings with comforting warmth and a hint of zest that makes it feel both special and incredibly satisfying. Trust me, once you make this dish, it’s going to become your go-to for a quick, impressive meal that feels like a celebration on your plate.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe comes to life with simple, everyday ingredients that each play a key role in creating a harmonious flavor and texture. From buttery richness to fragrant herbs and fresh lemon, these components are staples, but together they create something memorable and elevated.

• 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined: The star protein that cooks quickly and soaks up all the delicious flavors.
• ½ cup unsalted butter: Adds luscious richness and helps mellow the garlic’s sharpness.
• 1 ¼ tbsp Italian Seasoning: A fragrant mix of herbs that imparts an irresistible Mediterranean vibe.
• 1 tbsp lemon pepper seasoning: Offers zesty citrus notes combined with a subtle peppery kick that wakes up the palate.
• 1 lemon: Delivers fresh acidity that brightens the entire dish beautifully.
• 1 tbsp minced garlic: Gives that unmistakable classic garlic punch essential to this recipe’s character.
• 16 ounces angel hair pasta: Thin strands of pasta cooked al dente provide the perfect base to soak up the buttery sauce.

How to Make Butter Garlic Shrimp with Lemon over Angel Hair Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Boil the Angel Hair Pasta

Start by boiling the angel hair pasta according to the package directions. Angel hair cooks very quickly, so keep a close eye and aim for al dente—tender yet with a slight bite. This helps the pasta maintain texture when tossed with the rich shrimp sauce.

Step 2: Drain and Rinse the Pasta al dente

Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it briefly under warm water. This stops the cooking process and prevents the delicate strands from sticking together, keeping them light and ready for the sauce.

Step 3: Set a Skillet on Medium Heat

Place a large skillet on medium heat to prepare for sautéing your shrimp and aromatics. The moderate heat helps to gently cook the garlic and shrimp without burning or drying them out.

Step 4: Add Butter and Garlic

Drop in the butter and minced garlic. Sauté for about one minute, or until the garlic becomes fragrant and begins to soften. This infuses the butter with garlicky goodness that will coat the shrimp and pasta beautifully.

Step 5: Add Shrimp

Place the shrimp into the skillet in one even layer. This ensures they cook evenly and develop a lovely pink color, signaling they’re just right.

Step 6: Sprinkle the Seasoning and Continue to Stir

Sprinkle the Italian seasoning and lemon pepper seasoning over the shrimp. Stir gently to coat the shrimp evenly with all the aromatic spices. Let them cook for about two minutes—this step is where the shrimp absorb all those flavorful seasonings.

Step 7: Squeeze the Lemon

Squeeze half a lemon over the shrimp. The brightness of the fresh lemon juice gives the dish a gorgeous zesty lift, balancing the richness of the butter and seasoning.

Step 8: Further Cook

Cook the shrimp and sauce for another two minutes. This short cooking time keeps the shrimp tender and juicy while allowing the flavors to marry perfectly.

Step 9: Stir the Angel Hair Spaghetti with Shrimp and Sauce

Add the drained angel hair pasta directly into the skillet with the shrimp and buttery garlic sauce. This step lets the pasta soak up every bit of the flavorful sauce.

Step 10: Stir Gently to Combine All Ingredients

Mix everything gently but thoroughly, ensuring each strand of pasta is luxuriously coated and every shrimp is nestled in the buttery, garlicky lemon goodness.

Step 11: Top with Chopped Parsley and Serve

Finally, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish to add a pop of color and fresh herbaceous flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy!

How to Serve Butter Garlic Shrimp with Lemon over Angel Hair Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

Adding garnishes can take this dish from delicious to stunning. A light dusting of grated Parmesan cheese adds savory depth, while some thin lemon wedges on the side offer an extra citrusy punch for those who love a bright finish.

Side Dishes

Pair this pasta with a crisp green salad tossed with a simple vinaigrette, or serve alongside roasted asparagus or garlic bread for a complete, satisfying meal. The freshness of the sides complements the buttery richness of the shrimp and pasta perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special touch, serve portions in individual shallow bowls topped with a sprig of fresh parsley and a lemon twist. You can even drizzle a little extra melted butter over the top tableside to create a restaurant-quality experience right at home.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to two days. Keep in mind that angel hair pasta tends to soak up sauce quickly, so the texture might be a bit firmer when reheated.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended for this Butter Garlic Shrimp with Lemon over Angel Hair Pasta Recipe, as the delicate pasta and cooked shrimp can become watery and rubbery after thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh whenever possible.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the dish gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Microwaving can be done but may result in uneven heating and a slightly tougher texture.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking to avoid extra moisture in the pan, which can hinder browning and sauce consistency.

What can I substitute if I don’t have lemon pepper seasoning?

You can mix ground black pepper with a little lemon zest or a squeeze of fresh lemon to mimic the flavor. Adding a pinch of salt and some dried herbs like thyme or oregano works well too.

Is angel hair pasta the only pasta that works with this recipe?

While angel hair is ideal for its delicate texture, you can use thin spaghetti or linguine as alternatives. Just adjust cooking time accordingly to keep the pasta al dente.

Can I make this dish spicy?

Definitely! A pinch of red pepper flakes added while cooking the garlic and butter will bring a lovely heat that complements the lemon and garlic flavors beautifully.

How do I know when the shrimp are perfectly cooked?

Shrimp turn from translucent to opaque and pink with curled tails. They cook quickly, usually 2-3 minutes per side, so watch closely to avoid overcooking, which makes them tough.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so wonderfully comforting about a dish that’s both quick and bursting with bright, buttery flavor. This Butter Garlic Shrimp with Lemon over Angel Hair Pasta Recipe is a shining example of how a handful of simple, fresh ingredients can come together to create a meal that feels truly special. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or an occasion to impress, give this recipe a try—you’ll be delighted by how easy and utterly delicious it is!

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