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Quick Lemon Garlic Shrimp with Angel Hair Pasta

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A quick and easy 20-minute dinner featuring tender shrimp sautéed in garlic and lemon, served over delicate angel hair pasta. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish is fresh, flavorful, and impressive with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 8 ounces angel hair pasta
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large lemon, juiced and zested
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon butter (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of angel hair pasta and cook for 2-3 minutes or until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/4 cup of pasta water.
  2. While pasta cooks, pat 1 pound of shrimp dry with paper towels.
  3. Heat 3 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 cloves minced garlic and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Add shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Cook for about 2 minutes on one side, then flip and cook another 1-2 minutes until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp to a plate.
  5. Lower heat to medium-low. Add 1 tablespoon butter to the skillet and swirl to melt. Stir in lemon juice and lemon zest. Add 2-3 tablespoons reserved pasta water if sauce seems thick.
  6. Return shrimp to the skillet, add cooked angel hair pasta, and toss gently to coat in the lemon garlic sauce. Cook together for 1 minute. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
  7. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley on top just before serving.

Notes

Pat shrimp dry before cooking to ensure a good sear and avoid sogginess. Add lemon juice gradually to prevent bitterness. Use reserved pasta water to loosen sauce if needed. Remove shrimp promptly to avoid rubbery texture. Butter is optional and can be omitted for a lighter or dairy-free dish.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon garlic shrimp, angel hair pasta, quick dinner, easy shrimp recipe, weeknight meal, seafood pasta, garlic shrimp, lemon pasta

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