Lemon-Parmesan Angel Hair Pasta with Shrimp
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
15 mins
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Cook Time
20 mins
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Total Time
35 mins
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Servings
5
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Italian
Lemon-Parmesan Angel Hair Pasta with Shrimp
Description
This dish highlights peeled, deveined shrimp sautéed in olive oil and butter with garlic, then tossed with angel hair pasta cooked until just tender. The pasta water is reserved to create a light sauce that coats the noodles, combining with freshly grated Parmesan, lemon zest and juice, and fresh chopped basil and parsley to build vibrant flavors.
The texture contrasts the shrimp's firm yet tender bite with the thin, soft pasta strands, while the fresh lemon adds a crisp acidity that cuts through the richness of cheese and butter. Cooking garlic briefly with shrimp adds a mild aromatic depth without overpowering the dish.
Serve this pasta warm, garnished with extra herbs and Parmesan, paired nicely with a crisp salad or steamed vegetables. Its balance of freshness and richness makes it a versatile meal choice.
Fresh herbs are essential here, as they provide the bright flavor and freshness the recipe relies on; dried herbs will not achieve the same result.
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 lbs Shrimp peeled and deveined
- 12 oz angel hair pasta dry
- 3 Tbsp olive oil
- 3 Tbsp butter unsalted
- salt freshly ground
- black pepper freshly ground
- 3 cloves garlic , minced
- 1 1/2 tsp lemon zest
- 3 Tbsp lemon juice fresh
- 3 Tbsp basil chopped, fresh
- 3 Tbsp parsley chopped, fresh
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese finely shredded
Instructions
- Cook pasta in salted water according to directions listed on package (keep in mind it will only take about 4 minutes so I recommend adding the pasta to water when you begin cooking the shrimp), reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
- In a large skillet, heat olive and butter over medium-high heat. Add shrimp (you can remove tails first if desired), season with salt and pepper and saute 2 minutes, then add garlic and saute until shrimp has cooked through, about 2 minutes longer.
- Toss drained pasta in with shrimp along with 1/3 cup reserved pasta water, lemon zest and lemon juice. Add more water 1 Tbsp at a time as needed. Toss in 2 Tbsp of each parsley and basil, then sprinkle top with parmesan cheese and remaining 1 Tbsp of each parsley and basil. Serve warm.
Notes
- Use fresh basil and parsley for optimal flavor and texture in the dish.
- Reserve pasta water to help loosen the sauce and enhance the pasta's coating.
- Cooking shrimp and pasta simultaneously ensures both are ready at the same time for best texture.
- Adjust lemon juice quantity to taste for preferred acidity balance.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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