Shrimp and Angel Hair Pasta Recipe

If you’re craving a dinner that’s light, fresh, and packed with flavor, you’re going to want to try this Shrimp and Angel Hair Pasta Recipe I’ve perfected over the years. I absolutely love how this dish balances tender shrimp, juicy tomatoes, and fragrant basil with super-thin angel hair pasta—making it a quick meal that tastes like restaurant-quality. Stick around, because once you try this, it just might become your new favorite weeknight dinner.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients in this Shrimp and Angel Hair Pasta Recipe come together to create a balanced dish that’s bright, savory, and comforting all at once. I always recommend fresh roma tomatoes for their perfect sweetness and texture, but in a pinch, canned diced tomatoes can work too.

• Angel Hair Pasta: Its delicate strands cook quickly and soak up the sauce wonderfully without overpowering the shrimp.
• Olive Oil: Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil for that subtle fruity depth.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is a must—it perfumes the entire dish.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Just enough heat to brighten the flavors without overwhelming.
• Roma or Plum Tomatoes: These tomatoes are lower in moisture, so they create a nice thick sauce.
• Chicken Broth: Adds savory depth; I’ve also swapped in white wine before for an extra layer of flavor.
• Medium Raw Shrimp: Peeled and deveined is key for quick cooking and easy eating.
• Salted Butter: Just a bit helps to enrich the sauce and round out the flavors.
• Fresh Basil: The herbaceous note that brightens each bite—fresh is absolutely better here.
• Salt & Pepper: To taste—season gradually, and adjust at the end.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated for that salty, nutty topping that makes all the difference.

Variations

I love personalizing this Shrimp and Angel Hair Pasta Recipe depending on the season or what’s in my fridge. Don’t hesitate to make this your own; that’s part of the joy of cooking at home!

• Creamy Twist: I sometimes stir in a splash of heavy cream or mascarpone right at the end for a luscious sauce that my whole family adores.
• Spicy Upgrade: Add extra crushed red pepper, or a dash of smoked paprika, if you like your pasta with a kick.
• Veggie Boost: Toss in sautéed spinach, asparagus, or mushrooms to add color and nutrients.
• Protein Swap: Grilled chicken or scallops work beautifully if shrimp isn’t your favorite.

How to Make Shrimp and Angel Hair Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Build Your Flavor Base

Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes, and watch carefully as the garlic sizzles for about one minute. I always stir constantly here because burnt garlic can ruin the whole dish. This first step fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma and lays the juicy, garlicky foundation for the sauce.

Step 2: Simmer the Tomatoes and Broth

Add in your chopped tomatoes, a pinch of salt and pepper, then pour in the chicken broth (or white wine if you’re feeling fancy!). Let this simmer gently for about 5 minutes, stirring now and then. This softens the tomatoes and helps the flavors marry beautifully. I’ve found that simmering the sauce while your pasta cooks saves lots of time.

Step 3: Cook Your Angel Hair Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, then cook the angel hair pasta according to package directions, usually about 3-4 minutes until al dente. Don’t forget to save about ½ cup of the pasta water before draining — this starchy water is pure magic for loosening the sauce later.

Step 4: Add and Cook the Shrimp

Carefully nestle the raw shrimp into your simmering sauce. Cook them for 3-4 minutes, turning halfway through, until they turn a beautiful pink. I used to overcook shrimp all the time and ended up with a rubbery mess, but now I keep a close eye, and it makes a world of difference—tender, juicy shrimp are the reward!

Step 5: Finish with Butter, Basil, and Pasta

Once the shrimp are just right, stir in the butter and fresh basil until the butter melts into a silky sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Then toss in your cooked pasta, using some of that reserved pasta water to moisten if needed. This last step really pulls it all together, creating a light, flavorful coating on every strand. Serve with plenty of fresh basil and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

How to Serve Shrimp and Angel Hair Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

I love finishing this dish with a handful of fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. Sometimes, a tiny drizzle of good olive oil right before serving adds a rich, fruity layer that my guests always ask about!

Side Dishes

My go-to sides are always a crisp green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette and some warm, crusty garlic bread. The acidity and crunch of the salad perfectly complement the silky pasta, and the bread is perfect for sopping up any leftover sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special dinner, I’ve arranged the shrimp artfully on top of the pasta nest, garnished each plate with an extra basil sprig, and even added some edible flowers for a pop of color. It’s a simple way to elevate this dish for entertaining without extra fuss.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, ideally separating the pasta and sauce if possible to keep textures fresh. It’s best eaten within 2 days for the best flavor and shrimp texture.

Freezing

While you can freeze the sauce or shrimp separately, angel hair pasta tends to get mushy after freezing and reheating. If you do freeze the shrimp and sauce, thaw completely and reheat gently on the stovetop.

Reheating

I recommend reheating leftovers on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce if it’s thickened. Microwave can work, but I find the stovetop maintains better texture, especially for the shrimp.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Shrimp and Angel Hair Pasta Recipe holds a special place in my weeknight rotation because it’s elegant enough to impress but simple enough to make on a busy evening. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel like you’ve treated yourself without any extra effort—and that’s a win in my book! I can’t wait for you to try it and hear how much your family loves it, too. Trust me, once you whip this up, it’ll become one of your go-to pasta dinners.

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