Shrimp Scampi with Angel Hair Pasta – Buttery, Garlicky & Restaurant-Perfect

Few dishes impress with such simplicity and elegance like Shrimp Scampi with Angel Hair Pasta. This classic Italian-American favorite combines tender, juicy shrimp with a buttery garlic-wine sauce, all tossed with delicate angel hair pasta for a light yet luxurious meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes.

Perfect for weeknight dinners, date nights, dinner parties, or special occasions, this dish delivers bold flavor with minimal effort—proof that gourmet food can be quick and easy.

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⭐ Why You’ll Love Shrimp Scampi with Angel Hair Pasta

• Ready in 30 minutes or less
• Uses simple pantry ingredients
• Light yet rich and flavorful
• Perfect balance of buttery, garlicky, and citrusy
• High in protein and naturally low in carbs (if portioned)
• Elegant enough for entertaining
• Restaurant-quality at home

This is a go-to seafood pasta that never fails to impress.

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🍤 What Is Shrimp Scampi?

Traditionally, “scampi” refers to shrimp sautéed in a garlic, butter, olive oil, white wine, and lemon sauce. In American cuisine, it’s commonly served over pasta—especially angel hair, which absorbs the sauce beautifully without overpowering the shrimp.

The result is a dish that is:

• Bright and citrusy
• Rich but not heavy
• Garlicky without being overwhelming
• Comforting yet refined

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🍝 Why Angel Hair Pasta Is Perfect for Scampi

Angel hair (capellini) is:

• Ultra-thin and delicate
• Cooks in just 3–4 minutes
• Light enough to let shrimp shine
• Perfect for buttery, silky sauces

Its quick cook time makes it ideal for fast-paced meals.

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🛒 Ingredients for Shrimp Scampi with Angel Hair Pasta

Main Ingredients

• 12 oz angel hair pasta
• 1½ pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• ½ cup dry white wine or chicken broth
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Garnish (Optional but Recommended)

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Extra lemon wedges

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👩‍🍳 How to Make Shrimp Scampi with Angel Hair Pasta (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook angel hair pasta according to package instructions (usually 3–4 minutes). Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain.

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Step 2: Season the Shrimp

Pat shrimp dry and season lightly with salt and black pepper.

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Step 3: Sauté Shrimp

Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.

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Step 4: Build the Scampi Sauce

In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add red pepper flakes and white wine. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly.

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Step 5: Add Lemon & Pasta

Stir in lemon zest and juice. Add cooked pasta and toss well, using reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce as needed.

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Step 6: Combine with Shrimp

Return shrimp to the pan and toss until heated through (about 1–2 minutes).

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Step 7: Garnish & Serve

Remove from heat, sprinkle with fresh parsley and Parmesan, and serve immediately.

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🍋 Flavor & Texture Profile

• Shrimp: Tender, juicy, perfectly seasoned
• Sauce: Buttery, garlicky, citrusy, lightly spicy
• Pasta: Silky, delicate, sauce-clinging
• Finish: Bright, rich, and irresistibly comforting

This dish strikes the perfect balance between indulgent and fresh.

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✅ Health Benefits of Shrimp Scampi

• Shrimp is low in calories, high in protein
• Rich in omega-3 fatty acids
• High in selenium, vitamin B12, and iodine
• Naturally low-carb if served without pasta
• Lemon and garlic support immunity
• Olive oil provides heart-healthy fats

With portion control, this dish is both satisfying and nutritious.

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🔄 Delicious Shrimp Scampi Variations

1. Creamy Shrimp Scampi

Add ½ cup heavy cream to the sauce for a richer version.

2. Low-Carb Shrimp Scampi

Serve over zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.

3. Spicy Shrimp Scampi

Double the red pepper flakes or add chili oil.

4. Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Scampi

Add extra Parmesan and a touch of cream.

5. Mediterranean Shrimp Scampi

Add sun-dried tomatoes and spinach.

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✅ Pro Tips for Perfect Shrimp Scampi

• Use raw shrimp, not pre-cooked
• Don’t overcook shrimp—they become rubbery
• Use fresh garlic, not garlic powder
• Always reserve pasta water—it creates a silky sauce
• Add lemon at the end for maximum brightness
• Serve immediately for best texture

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❄️ Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator

Store leftovers in an airtight container for 2–3 days.

Freezer

Not ideal for freezing due to shrimp texture and pasta softness.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or butter. Avoid microwaving shrimp too long.

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🍽 What to Serve with Shrimp Scampi

• Garlic bread or toasted baguette
• Caesar or arugula salad
• Roasted asparagus or broccoli
• Steamed green beans
• Bruschetta or caprese salad

These sides balance the richness of the scampi beautifully.

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❤️ Why Shrimp Scampi Is Always a Favorite

• Fast and easy to make
• Elegant and impressive
• Works for casual or formal meals
• Loved by seafood lovers
• Highly customizable
• Classic flavors never go out of style

It’s a timeless seafood pasta classic with endless appeal.

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🧾 Quick Overview – Shrimp Scampi with Angel Hair Pasta

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4

Key Ingredients: Shrimp, garlic, butter, lemon, angel hair pasta
Best For: Weeknight dinners, romantic meals, weekend entertaining

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✅ Final Thoughts

Shrimp Scampi with Angel Hair Pasta is the perfect blend of simple ingredients and bold flavor. With tender shrimp, buttery garlic sauce, and delicate strands of angel hair pasta, this dish delivers restaurant-quality results in your own kitchen—quickly and effortlessly.

Whether you’re cooking for family, guests, or a special night in, this scampi recipe will always be a crowd-pleasing favorite.

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