Description
This delicious Seafood Pasta Recipe features tender shrimp sautéed with aromatic garlic and shallots, tossed in a light lemon and chicken broth sauce, and combined with delicate angel hair pasta. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a perfect weeknight dinner that’s flavorful and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Seafood and Seasonings
- 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 1 teaspoon sea salt, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
For the Sauce and Pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 shallots, thinly sliced
- 5 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/2 pound angel hair pasta
Optional Garnishes
- Chopped parsley
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Prepare the pasta water. Start heating a large pot of very salty water over high heat to cook the angel hair pasta later.
- Heat the olive oil. Warm the olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat until hot.
- Cook the shrimp. Add the shrimp to the hot oil, tossing to coat. Season with half the salt, black pepper, paprika, and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until shrimp turn pink and are cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté shallots and garlic. Increase heat to medium-high in the same skillet. Add the butter and melt it until bubbling. Add the shallots and sauté for about 3 minutes until softened, then add the garlic and remaining seasoning. Stir continuously for 30 seconds to release their aromas.
- Add chicken broth and simmer. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes to develop the sauce.
- Cook the pasta. While the sauce simmers, cook the angel hair pasta in the boiling salted water according to package directions, about 2-3 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
- Reduce the sauce. Add the reserved pasta water to the skillet and simmer the sauce for an additional 2 to 3 minutes to slightly reduce and thicken.
- Finish the seafood and sauce. Stir in the lemon juice and the cooked shrimp. Toss to coat the shrimp thoroughly in the sauce.
- Combine pasta and sauce. Turn off the heat, add the drained angel hair pasta to the skillet, and toss everything together to evenly coat the pasta in the flavorful sauce.
- Serve. Plate the pasta immediately, and top with optional chopped parsley and lemon wedges for added freshness and brightness.
Notes
- Be careful not to overcook the shrimp as they can become tough and rubbery.
- Angel hair pasta cooks quickly; watch closely to prevent it from becoming mushy.
- You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a lighter flavor or to make it pescatarian-friendly.
- Adjust crushed red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level.
- Serve immediately after tossing to maintain the texture and warmth of the dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
