Shrimp and Angel Hair Pasta Recipe

If you’re craving a seafood pasta dish that’s light, flavorful, and comes together in no time, you’re going to adore this Shrimp and Angel Hair Pasta Recipe. I absolutely love how the delicate angel hair pasta perfectly wraps around tender shrimp bathed in a garlicky, slightly spicy tomato sauce. It’s the kind of meal that feels fancy but cooks up faster than you think, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinner parties. Keep reading, and I’ll share all my tips so you nail this dish every single time!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This Shrimp and Angel Hair Pasta Recipe works so well because each ingredient plays its part without overwhelming the dish. I always recommend fresh tomatoes and basil when possible—those flavors take the sauce from good to absolutely stunning.

• Angel hair pasta: Its thin strands cook quickly and soak up the sauce beautifully, but don’t overcook it — al dente is best.
• Olive oil: Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil for that rich, fruity base flavor.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives the sauce an aromatic kick—don’t skip it or use pre-minced in a jar.
• Crushed red pepper flakes: Adds a subtle heat; adjust according to your preference.
• Roma or plum tomatoes: Firm, meaty tomatoes work best—they hold up during cooking and give a fresh, slightly sweet flavor.
• Chicken broth: I like using broth instead of wine for an easy, family-friendly version with extra depth.
• Raw shrimp (peeled and deveined): Medium-sized shrimp hit the perfect balance of tenderness and flavor.
• Salted butter: Adds richness and balances acidity in the sauce.
• Fresh basil: The fresh herb brings brightness—fresh really is best here, but you can substitute with dried if needed.
• Salt & pepper: Essential seasonings to taste—don’t forget to adjust at the end!
• Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated for a savory, salty topping that makes the dish feel complete.

Variations

I love customizing this Shrimp and Angel Hair Pasta Recipe to fit the occasion or what’s in my fridge. It’s totally forgiving and invites creativity, so don’t hesitate to make it your own.

• Protein swap: Sometimes I use scallops or chunked lobster instead of shrimp for a fancy twist that still cooks quickly.
• Spice level: I’ve kicked up the heat with extra crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne when craving something bolder.
• Vegetarian version: Skip the shrimp and add sautéed mushrooms or artichoke hearts—the sauce still shines with these swaps.
• Herbs: Fresh parsley or oregano can substitute for basil if you’re out, and they give a different but tasty aroma.

How to Make Shrimp and Angel Hair Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Sauce Base with Garlic and Tomatoes

Start by heating olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Add your minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes and cook for about one minute, stirring constantly. This little step is crucial—I learned the hard way that garlic burns easily if you’re not attentive. Once fragrant, toss in the seeded and chopped tomatoes along with salt, pepper, and your chicken broth. Let this simmer gently for around 5 minutes so the tomatoes break down a bit and develop flavor.

Step 2: Cook the Angel Hair Pasta Just Right

While your sauce is simmering, boil salted water and cook the angel hair pasta according to package instructions—usually 3 to 4 minutes for al dente perfection. It’s thin, so watch it closely to avoid mushiness. Don’t forget to reserve about half a cup of pasta water before draining; that starchy water will help loosen your sauce and bring everything together.

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp to Tender Pink Perfection

Add the raw shrimp straight into your simmering sauce and nestle them in gently. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, flipping halfway through. You want them pink and opaque—overcooking turns shrimp rubbery, and trust me, it’s not worth it. When in doubt, pull them off the heat a bit early since they’ll keep cooking in the residual warmth.

Step 4: Finish with Butter, Basil, and Toss with Pasta

Once the shrimp are done, stir in salted butter and fresh basil until the butter melts and the sauce tastes rich and fragrant. Adjust salt and pepper as needed. Then add your cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything to coat evenly. If the sauce feels a bit thick, add some reserved pasta water a little at a time until you get your desired consistency.

How to Serve Shrimp and Angel Hair Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping this pasta with an extra sprinkle of freshly chopped basil and a generous dusting of Parmesan cheese—it just elevates the dish and adds that cozy, comforting touch. Sometimes, I’ll grate a little lemon zest over the top to add a fresh zing that’s surprisingly delightful.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides with this Shrimp and Angel Hair Pasta Recipe are a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette and some crusty garlic bread to soak up all the sauce. Roasted asparagus or steamed green beans also pair perfectly for a light, balanced meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special dinner, I’ve served this pasta in shallow bowls with a swirl of basil oil drizzled on top and a few whole basil leaves for visual appeal. Garnishing with edible flowers or a lemon wedge can add a fresh, fancy look that wows guests without extra effort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The shrimp stays tender, and the pasta soaks up the sauce nicely overnight. Just make sure to reheat gently to avoid overcooking the shrimp on the second round.

Freezing

I don’t generally freeze this Shrimp and Angel Hair Pasta Recipe because shrimp’s texture changes after freezing and reheating, but if you want to freeze, try freezing the sauce separately without shrimp and add fresh shrimp at the last minute when reheating for best results.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. This keeps the shrimp tender and the pasta from drying out. Microwaving works too, just be careful not to overheat.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Shrimp and Angel Hair Pasta Recipe holds a special place in my rotation because it’s quick, flavorful, and feels like a little celebration on a plate. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just indulging solo, it’s a dish that never disappoints. Give it a try—you’ll find it’s just as satisfying to make as it is to eat. Trust me, once you make this, it’ll become one of your go-to weeknight favorites!

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