Angel Hair Pasta With Garlic Butter Shrimp

Name: Angel Hair Pasta With Garlic Butter Shrimp
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 8 oz angel hair pasta; 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Highlighted under: Feel-Good Food

I absolutely love making Angel Hair Pasta with Garlic Butter Shrimp for a quick and elegant meal. With just a few ingredients, I can create a dish that feels gourmet while still being simple enough for weeknight dinners. The subtle sweetness of the shrimp pairs perfectly with the rich garlic butter, making every bite a delightful experience. This is one of those recipes that always impresses my guests, yet it's so easy to prepare. I can't wait to share this with you!

Created by

Harriet Collins

Last updated on 2026-02-23T18:29:36.905Z

When I made Angel Hair Pasta with Garlic Butter Shrimp for the first time, I was amazed at how quickly it came together. The key is to prepare your ingredients beforehand, so when you start cooking, everything flows smoothly. I typically sauté the garlic till fragrant, but be careful not to brown it; you want that lovely, buttery essence without the bitterness.

One detail that makes this dish shine is finishing the pasta in the shrimp and garlic butter sauce. This allows the noodles to absorb all those fantastic flavors, creating a stunning harmony in every bite. Trust me; your taste buds will thank you!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Quick and easy preparation, perfect for busy nights
Rich, buttery garlic flavor that brings the dish to life
Versatile recipe that can be customized with your favorite vegetables

      

Perfecting Garlic Butter Flavor

The key to achieving a robust garlic flavor in this dish lies in the sautéing technique. When melting the butter, ensure you don’t let it boil; a medium-low heat is ideal to prevent burning the garlic. Sauté the minced garlic until it becomes fragrant and just golden, which usually takes about a minute. If you let it go too long, the garlic can turn bitter and overpower the dish. This technique enhances the buttery richness, making the sauce irresistible.

Before adding the shrimp, it’s helpful to season the garlic butter with a pinch of salt and pepper. This not only elevates the flavor of the shrimp but also melds the savory notes, creating a balanced dish. Consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes if you enjoy a little heat; it complements the sweetness of the shrimp beautifully.

Cooking the Angel Hair Pasta

When cooking angel hair pasta, timing is crucial. Since this type of pasta cooks quickly, keep an eye on it as it can easily go from perfectly al dente to mushy in just a couple of minutes. Usually, it takes about 3-5 minutes in boiling salted water. Remember to reserve some pasta water before draining; this starchy liquid can be the secret weapon in helping to create a perfect, silky sauce that clings to the pasta.

After draining, it’s a good idea to toss the pasta with a drizzle of olive oil if you’re not combining it immediately with the shrimp. This simple step prevents sticking and keeps the pasta fresh until you’re ready to serve. And if you find yourself with leftover pasta, it reheats beautifully - just add a splash of water in a skillet to bring it back to life.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

To turn this dish into a full meal, consider serving it alongside a light salad or roasted vegetables. A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette or sautéed asparagus drizzled with balsamic reduction pairs wonderfully with the rich flavors of the garlic butter shrimp. Adding a side helps balance the richness and adds freshness to the meal.

If you’re looking to switch things up, you can customize this recipe with various vegetables. Spinach, cherry tomatoes, or even steamed broccoli can be easily integrated during the sautéing process. Just add them in after the garlic has cooked, allowing them to wilt slightly before adding the shrimp. This not only adds color but also enhances the nutritional profile of the dish.

Ingredients

For the Pasta and Shrimp

8 oz angel hair pasta
1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Note:

Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrition.

Instructions

Cook the Pasta

In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the angel hair pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a little pasta water.

Sauté the Garlic and Shrimp

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Then, add the shrimp, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook until the shrimp turn pink, about 2-3 minutes.

Combine and Serve

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet along with a splash of reserved pasta water. Toss everything together to combine and heat through. Serve immediately and garnish with fresh parsley.

Enjoy!

Pair with a light salad or a glass of white wine for a delightful meal.

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic. You can also replace the butter with olive oil for a lighter version.

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheating can be tricky; to maintain the texture of the shrimp and pasta, I recommend using a skillet over medium heat with a bit of olive oil or water. This helps to bring the dish back to a desirable consistency without drying it out.

Avoid freezing this dish if possible, as both the shrimp and pasta can become mushy when thawed. If you must freeze, consider freezing only the cooked shrimp separately; this can then be added to fresh pasta and sauce at a later date for a quick meal.

Dietary Substitutions

For those looking for dietary swaps, this recipe can easily accommodate gluten-free diets by using gluten-free angel hair pasta. Just remember to adjust the cooking time as these alternatives often require different cooking times. Another option is to substitute shrimp with cooked chicken or even plant-based proteins like tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version.

If you’re sensitive to dairy, you can replace the butter with a plant-based alternative such as olive oil or vegan butter. While this will slightly change the flavor profile, it will still yield a delicious dish, especially when combined with the fresh garlic and herbs.

Scaling the Recipe

Scaling this recipe up or down is simple. The ratios for the sauce and pasta remain consistent regardless of how many servings you’re preparing. For larger gatherings, you might want to cook the shrimp in batches to ensure they cook evenly and maintain that perfect pink color without overcooking them.

Conversely, if you’re cooking for one or two, you can easily halve the ingredients. Just be sure to adjust the cooking times slightly and keep an eye on the garlic to avoid burning. This flexibility allows you to enjoy this elegant pasta dish any night of the week.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, just make sure to thaw the shrimp before cooking.

→ What can I substitute for garlic butter?

You could use olive oil or a store-bought garlic butter spread.

→ How can I make this dish healthier?

Add more vegetables like broccoli or zucchini, and consider using whole grain pasta.

→ Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prep the shrimp and garlic in advance and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook.