Lemon Butter Shrimp Pasta Lite (Printable)

Succulent shrimp sautéed in zesty lemon-garlic butter over delicate angel hair pasta. Fresh, light, and ready in just 25 minutes.

# What You'll Need:

→ Seafood

01 - 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

→ Pasta

02 - 8 ounces angel hair pasta

→ Sauce

03 - 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
04 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
05 - 4 garlic cloves, minced
06 - Zest and juice of 1 large lemon
07 - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
08 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
09 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

→ Garnish

10 - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
11 - Lemon wedges for serving

# Steps:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook angel hair pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
02 - Pat shrimp dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper.
03 - In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook 1 to 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
04 - Reduce heat to medium. Add remaining olive oil and butter to skillet. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
05 - Add lemon zest, juice, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the skillet.
06 - Add drained pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed for a silky texture.
07 - Return shrimp to the skillet, toss gently to combine, and heat through for 1 minute.
08 - Remove from heat. Sprinkle with fresh parsley. Serve immediately with extra lemon wedges.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Efficient Cooking: A total time of just 25 minutes makes it perfect for busy schedules.
  • Vibrant Flavors: Fresh lemon juice and zest provide a bright acidity that perfectly balances the rich butter.
  • Pescatarian Friendly: A high-protein, seafood-based meal that is satisfying without the heaviness of meat.
02 -
  • Prep Ahead: Have all ingredients minced and measured before you start, as angel hair pasta and shrimp both cook very rapidly.
  • Searing the Shrimp: Ensure the shrimp are patted dry so they get a nice sear rather than steaming in the pan.
  • Fresh Lemon: Use fresh lemon juice rather than bottled for the most vibrant, clean flavor profile.
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