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Quick Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe with Angel Hair Pasta and Lemon Zest

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A quick and easy shrimp pasta dish featuring garlic butter sauce, angel hair pasta, and a bright hint of lemon zest. Perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous cravings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz (225 g) angel hair pasta
  • 1 lb (450 g) raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 4 tablespoons (60 g) unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon zest
  • Juice of half a lemon
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • A handful fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil (about 1 tablespoon salt per 4 quarts of water).
  2. Add angel hair pasta and cook for 2-3 minutes until al dente. Drain, reserving about 1/2 cup (120 ml) pasta water.
  3. While pasta cooks, melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat without browning it.
  4. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, stirring constantly.
  5. Add shrimp to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and cook 2-3 minutes on one side until pink and opaque, then flip and cook another 1-2 minutes.
  6. Stir in lemon zest and lemon juice.
  7. Optional: add red pepper flakes for a gentle heat.
  8. Toss drained pasta into the skillet with shrimp and sauce, adding reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time if needed to achieve a silky sauce.
  9. Remove from heat and sprinkle chopped parsley over the top, tossing to combine.
  10. Serve immediately, garnished with extra lemon zest or a lemon wedge if desired.

Notes

Do not overcook shrimp to avoid rubbery texture. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Use unsalted butter to control saltiness. Garlic should be cooked gently to avoid bitterness. Frozen shrimp can be used if thawed and patted dry. For dairy-free, substitute butter with olive oil or vegan butter. Gluten-free pasta or spiralized zucchini noodles can be used as alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: garlic butter shrimp, angel hair pasta, lemon zest, quick shrimp pasta, easy dinner, weeknight meal, seafood pasta

Find it online: https://noshbelle.com/quick-garlic-butter-shrimp-recipe-with-angel-hair-pasta-and-lemon-zest/