If you are craving something light yet indulgently flavorful, look no further than the Angel Hair Pasta with Shrimp in Lemon Cream Sauce Recipe. This dish brings together delicate angel hair pasta with succulent shrimp, all enveloped in a luscious lemon cream sauce that sings with brightness and richness. Every bite offers a beautiful balance of creamy texture, vibrant citrus notes, and fresh herbs, making it a fantastic meal to impress guests or simply treat yourself after a long day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows many ingredients arranged on a white marbled surface. In the center, there is a white tray filled with neat rows of raw shrimp, pale pink and white. Behind the shrimp, standing up vertically, is a bunch of uncooked yellow spaghetti in a clear glass. Around these, there are small white bowls with golden rims holding different ingredients: one with salt, one with black pepper, one with butter squares, one with shredded cheese, one with white powder, and one with fresh green chopped herbs. Two larger white bowls hold bright green fresh spinach leaves and sun-dried tomatoes. A small glass pitcher contains a golden oil and another holds a clear liquid, while a measuring cup has a yellow juice. A white mug contains a white dry ingredient, another small white bowl has lemon juice with a halved lemon beside it, and a few other small bowls contain grated lemon peel and cream. Everything is neatly placed and bright, with good lighting. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients is the secret to making this dish truly shine. Each component, from the shrimp to the lemon zest, plays a critical role in building the perfect harmony of flavor, texture, and color that makes this recipe so irresistible.

Angel hair pasta: The thin strands cook quickly and soak up the sauce perfectly, creating a delicate base for the dish.
Shrimp: Fresh, peeled, and deveined for tender, juicy bites that complement the creamy sauce amazingly well.
Sundried tomato oil (or olive oil): Adds a subtle depth and fruity undertone that enhances the overall flavor profile.
Butter: Provides richness and helps in creating a velvety sauce texture.
Garlic: Minced for a fragrant punch that balances the creamy elements.
Flour: Used to thicken the sauce for that perfect creamy consistency.
Dry white wine: Adds acidity and complexity, brightening the sauce beautifully.
Chicken broth: Gives the sauce a savory background without overpowering the delicate flavors.
Lemon juice and zest: The stars of the dish, providing fresh, citrusy brightness that lifts every bite.
Spinach: Fresh and chopped, it adds vibrant color and a subtle earthiness.
Sundried tomatoes: Bring a sweet tang that contrasts nicely with the creamy sauce.
Heavy cream: The foundation of the luscious sauce that ties everything together.
Parmesan cheese: Grated to melt into the sauce, adding savory depth and umami.
Fresh basil: Chiffonade for a fragrant and fresh herbal finish.
Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all flavors perfectly.

How to Make Angel Hair Pasta with Shrimp in Lemon Cream Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Angel Hair Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. The salt is crucial as it seasons the pasta from the inside out. Cook the angel hair pasta to al dente according to package instructions so it keeps a slight bite after it’s combined with the sauce. Don’t forget to reserve half a cup of the pasta water before draining — this will come in handy later to adjust the sauce consistency perfectly. Rinse the pasta with cold water after draining to stop the cooking process and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp

Next, heat a large deep skillet on medium and add half of the sundried tomato oil and butter. While it’s warming, pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper on both sides to bring out their natural flavor. Place the shrimp in the skillet and cook for about 1 to 2 minutes on each side until they turn pink and slightly golden. This quick sear locks in juiciness. Remove the shrimp and set them aside to keep warm.

Step 3: Build the Sauce Base

In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté gently for 2 to 3 minutes until fragrant but not browned, infusing the oil with aromatic goodness. Then, add the remaining oil and butter. Stir in the flour and cook for a couple of minutes; this step cooks out the raw taste from the flour and starts to form your thickening roux.

Step 4: Deglaze and Create the Cream Sauce

Turn off the heat briefly and pour in the white wine, chicken broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest while whisking constantly. This part deglazes the pan, lifting all the flavorful bits stuck on the bottom, and combines everything into a smooth, lump-free sauce. Return to medium-low heat and let it simmer gently.

Step 5: Add Vegetables and Cream

Stir in the chopped spinach and cook just until wilted, adding fresh color and nutrients. Then mix in the sundried tomatoes, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Let everything simmer until the sauce warms through, and the cheese melts to silky perfection.

Step 6: Adjust Sauce and Combine Ingredients

If the sauce feels a bit thick, gently stir in some reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach the perfect consistency—silky but not runny. Add the cooked shrimp back into the skillet along with the angel hair pasta. Simmer everything together just until heated through, taking care not to overcook the shrimp or make the pasta mushy. Lastly, toss in fresh basil for a fragrance pop that you will adore.

How to Serve Angel Hair Pasta with Shrimp in Lemon Cream Sauce Recipe

A close-up view of a cooked shrimp pasta dish in a white pan on a white marbled surface. The dish shows a mix of light yellow spaghetti noodles coated in a creamy sauce, tangled with green spinach leaves. Several plump, pale orange shrimp are scattered around the pan, semi-covered by the sauce and noodles. A woman's hand is lifting a bundle of noodles with tongs, creating a sense of movement as the noodles appear soft and slightly shiny from the sauce. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese and some fresh basil chiffonade make ideal garnishes. They enhance both the visual appeal and the fragrant, layered flavors. You can also add a few lemon wedges on the side for an optional extra citrusy zing right at the table.

Side Dishes

Serve this dish alongside a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness or some sautéed asparagus and garlic bread to soak up any leftover sauce. The light, fresh sides complement the creamy sauce and create a well-rounded dinner experience.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, try serving the Angel Hair Pasta with Shrimp in Lemon Cream Sauce Recipe in individual shallow bowls with a twist of lemon zest on top. Adding edible flowers or microgreens elevates the presentation and delights guests visually. A rustic wooden board with crusty bread and wine glasses creates a warm, inviting atmosphere.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and are best eaten within two days. The creamy sauce keeps well, and the shrimp retains its texture if reheated gently.

Freezing

This dish is not ideal for freezing due to the cream sauce, which can separate when thawed. Instead, freeze the cooked shrimp and pasta separately without sauce if you plan to enjoy this meal later.

Reheating

When reheating, warm the pasta and shrimp gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or reserved pasta water to revive the sauce’s creaminess. Avoid microwaving at high heat to keep the shrimp tender and the sauce silky.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta instead of angel hair?

Absolutely! While angel hair is perfect for its delicate texture, thin spaghetti or linguine can also work well if that’s what you have on hand.

What if I don’t have dry white wine?

You can substitute with additional chicken broth and a splash of white wine vinegar or lemon juice to maintain acidity in the sauce.

Can I make the sauce dairy-free?

Yes, swapping heavy cream for a coconut cream or cashew cream and using dairy-free butter will still give you a creamy texture, though the flavor profile will be slightly different.

How do I prevent the shrimp from becoming rubbery?

Cook the shrimp just until they turn pink and slightly golden on both sides, about 1-2 minutes per side. Overcooking shrinks and toughens them, so adding them back to the sauce only at the end to warm is key.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Definitely! Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch to thicken the sauce and choose gluten-free pasta to enjoy this dish without gluten worries.

Final Thoughts

This Angel Hair Pasta with Shrimp in Lemon Cream Sauce Recipe is a bright, satisfying dish that is surprisingly easy to make but feels like a special occasion on a plate. Its combination of tender shrimp, fresh herbs, and citrus-tinged creamy sauce is sure to become a favorite in your cooking repertoire. Give it a try and enjoy every luscious bite!