Save This Lemon Butter Shrimp Pasta Lite is a quintessential Italian-American main dish that is as easy to prepare as it is delicious. Perfectly suited for a pescatarian diet, this recipe yields four servings of tender angel hair pasta tossed in a zesty, garlic-infused butter sauce. Light yet satisfying, it is the ideal solution for a quick and vibrant weeknight meal.
Save The beauty of this dish lies in how the delicate strands of angel hair pasta soak up the shimmering sauce, while the succulent shrimp provide a protein-rich centerpiece that feels indulgent without being heavy.
Ingredients
- Seafood: 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Pasta: 8 oz (225 g) angel hair pasta
- Sauce: 3 tbsp unsalted butter, 2 tbsp olive oil, 4 garlic cloves (minced), zest and juice of 1 large lemon, 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional), 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- Garnish: 1/4 cup fresh parsley (finely chopped) and lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Step 1: Boil the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook angel hair pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: Prep the Shrimp
- While pasta cooks, pat shrimp dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Step 3: Sauté the Shrimp
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp butter over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in a single layer; cook 1–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- Step 4: Cook the Aromatics
- Reduce heat to medium. Add remaining olive oil and butter to skillet. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 5: Create the Sauce
- Add lemon zest, juice, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits.
- Step 6: Toss the Pasta
- Add drained pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed for a silky texture.
- Step 7: Reheat Shrimp
- Return shrimp to the skillet, toss gently to combine, and heat through for 1 minute.
- Step 8: Finish and Serve
- Remove from heat. Sprinkle with fresh parsley. Serve immediately with extra lemon wedges.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To achieve the best results, always pat your shrimp dry before cooking to ensure a proper sear. Additionally, remember to reserve your pasta water; its starchiness is the secret to achieving a silky, restaurant-style sauce consistency.
Varianten und Anpassungen
If angel hair is unavailable, spaghetti or linguine make excellent substitutes. For a deeper flavor profile, try adding a splash of dry white wine to the skillet after sautéing the garlic. For a lighter version, simply reduce the butter to 2 tablespoons and increase the olive oil accordingly.
Serviervorschläge
Serve this dish immediately while hot, garnished with a generous sprinkle of finely chopped parsley. Placing extra lemon wedges on the side allows guests to add an extra burst of acidity to their liking.
Save This meal contains approximately 410 calories and 25g of protein per serving. Please be aware that it contains shellfish, wheat, and dairy. For those with dietary restrictions, double-check labels for gluten-free or dairy-free alternatives.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I use frozen shrimp for this dish?
Yes, frozen shrimp works well. Thaw completely and pat dry with paper towels before cooking to ensure proper browning and texture.
- → What pasta can I substitute for angel hair?
Spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine are excellent alternatives. Adjust cooking time according to package instructions, as thicker pastas may take longer than angel hair.
- → How do I prevent the shrimp from becoming rubbery?
Cook shrimp only 1-2 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Overcooking toughens them. Remove promptly and reheat gently at the end if needed.
- → Can I make this dairy-free?
Substitute butter with olive oil or dairy-free butter alternative. The dish will be lighter but still flavorful with the lemon and garlic as your base.
- → Why should I reserve pasta water?
Pasta water contains starch that helps emulsify the sauce and coat the noodles evenly, creating a silky texture. Add it gradually to achieve your desired consistency.
- → Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
This is best served fresh, though components can be prepped ahead. Cook the pasta and shrimp separately, then combine just before serving to maintain optimal texture and flavor.