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Angel Hair with Lemon Shrimp Scampi Recipe

A plate of angel hair with lemon shrimp scampi with two toasted baguette slices behind the plate

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This shrimp scampi makes for a super easy family meal, but it’s fancy enough for a nice dinner party. Pair this Angel Hair with Lemon Shrimp Scampi with the toast.

I posted yesterday, plus the green beans I’ll post soon (sorry for the tease) and you’ll have yourself a very impressive meal; making it look like you’ve slaved away for hours in the kitchen.

Nope! Instead you can focus on the details and make sure to pick out some good tunes for your party; something that will fill the air if you say something embarrassing (I was fairly socially awkward and shy for a good part of my life and I’ve learned to fill that space with sayings like, “what time is it,” and “who cut the cheese” or “where’s my hot dog” – I shouldn’t post inside jokes because now I’m having one of those socially awkward moments…… I could use a little music right now.

Ingredients for the Shrimp Scampi:

1 Tbsp salt + drizzle of olive oil for boiling water
3/4 pound angel hair pasta (or your favorite pasta)
3 Tbsp butter
3 Tbsp olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 1/2 Tbsp)
1 lb large shrimp; peeled and deveined; 16-20 or 21-25 per pound would work
1 tsp salt for shrimp
1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1/3 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
1/2 Tbsp grated lemon zest (from 1/2 lemon)
1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 1.5 to 2 lemons)
1/8 tsp hot red pepper flakes

Pasta with Lemon Shrimp Scampi

A note on Peeling and Deveining Shrimp:

This takes the longest amount of time; you can buy shrimp pre-peeled and deveined, but don’t buy them pre-cooked. That’s a NO GO. Back to deveining; this creates a pretty butterflied shrimp and gets the nasty gunk out that you can’t see until you cut the back of the shrimp. Make a single slice down the back of the shrimp, then rinse. Pat dry shrimp before sautéing or they may splatter.

shrimp-scampi

How to Make Shrimp Scampi:

(tip: have all of your ingredients prepped and ready to go since the pasta cooks quickly):
1. Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil, add 1 Tbsp salt and drizzle water with olive oil (keeps pasta from sticking). Add 3/4 lb pasta and cook according to directions on the package. Angel hair only takes 5 minutes.

Pasta with Lemon Shrimp Scampi-6

2. In another, heavy-bottomed skillet, melt 3 Tbsp butter with 3 Tbsp olive oil over medium/high heat. Add pressed garlic and saute 1 minute.

shrimp-scampi-1

3. Add shrimp in a single layer and sprinkle with 1 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper. Saute until shrimp turn pink (about 2 min each side); don’t overcook or shrimp will turn rubbery.

shrimp-scampi-2

4. Remove shrimp from heat and mix in the 1/2 Tbsp lemon zest, 1/3 cup chopped fresh parsley, 1/4 cup lemon juice and 1/8 tsp red pepper flakes.

shrimp-scampi-3

5. Pour shrimp over the cooked and drained pasta and toss to combine.

shrimp-scampi-4

shrimp-scampi-hero

Credits: Recipe adapted from Ina Garten’s Linguine with Shrimp Scampi.

Angel Hair with Lemon Shrimp Scampi Recipe

4.94 from 30 votes
Author: Natasha of NatashasKitchen.com
A plate of angel hair with lemon shrimp scampi with two toasted baguette slices behind the plate
This shrimp pasta makes for a super easy family meal, but it's fancy enough for a nice dinner party.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients 

Servings: 4 -5
  • 1 Tbsp salt + drizzle of olive oil for boiling water
  • 3/4 pound angel hair pasta, or your favorite pasta
  • 3 Tbsp unsalted butter
  • 3 Tbsp olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 1/2 Tbsp)
  • 1 lb large shrimp; peeled and deveined; 16-20 or 21-25 per pound would work
  • 1 tsp salt for shrimp
  • 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/3 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 Tbsp Grated Zest, from 1/2 lemon
  • 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice, about 1.5 to 2 lemons
  • 1/8 tsp hot red pepper flakes

Instructions

Tip: have all of your ingredients prepped and ready to go since the pasta cooks quickly!

  • Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil, add 1 Tbsp salt and drizzle water with olive oil (keeps pasta from sticking). Add 3/4 lb pasta and cook according to directions on the package. Angel hair is done in 5 minutes.
  • In another, heavy-bottomed skillet, melt 3 Tbsp butter with 3 Tbsp olive oil over medium/high heat. Add garlic and saute 1 minute.
  • Add shrimp in a single layer and sprinkle with 1 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper. Saute until shrimp turn pink (about 2 min each side); don't overcook or shrimp will turn rubbery.
  • Remove shrimp from heat and mix in the lemon zest, chopped parsley, lemon juice and red pepper flakes.
  • Pour over the cooked and drained pasta and toss to combine.
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Keyword: Angel Hair with Lemon Shrimp Scampi
Skill Level: Medium
Cost to Make: $10-$14

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Natasha Kravchuk

Welcome to my kitchen! I am Natasha, the blogger behind Natasha's Kitchen (since 2009). My husband and I run this blog together and share only our best, family approved and tested recipes with YOU. Thanks for stopping by! We are so happy you're here.

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Read comments/reviewsAdd comment/review

  • Mirella
    September 9, 2022

    Hi Natasha,
    Did this recipe today. It was so so delicious. I Just double the amount of butter and olive oil.

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      September 9, 2022

      So glad you enjoyed this recipe! 🙂

      Reply

  • Betsy
    May 31, 2022

    Would love to have more “sauce” to go over angel hair pasta so its not dry. Would you suggest adding wine and? I dont want heavy cream based sauce.

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      May 31, 2022

      Hi Betsy, I have not tested this to advise. You’d have to experiment with it. Broth and wine may work.

      Reply

  • Margie
    February 12, 2022

    We loved the shrimp scampi with lemon. (I put it on rice). My partner commented 3 times during dinner how good it is.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      February 12, 2022

      That’s just awesome! Thank you for sharing your wonderful review, Margie!

      Reply

  • Joni Lequerica
    February 5, 2022

    Just made this but added 1/2 red bell pepper. Sautéed it with shrimp. Unbelievable, so delicious. Pepper added another level of taste!!!

    Reply

  • Lane
    January 19, 2022

    I really liked your recipe, and so did my boyfriend! Do you have any suggestions for sauces that I could add to this dish?

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      January 19, 2022

      Hi Lane, I saw someone else shared this in the comments “At the end of cooking I added a splash of heavy cream because we like a sauce with pasta. Hubby and I loved it, very flavorful.” I hope that helps.

      Reply

  • Ameena
    August 9, 2021

    I made this this 2 days ago and it was so tasty and flavourful. Today my husband asked it again to make. I’m sure that I will be making this dish very often now. Thanks a lot for your simple and yummy recipe

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      August 9, 2021

      Looks like you both just discovered your new favorite! Glad you both liked it, thanks for sharing your good feedback with us.

      Reply

  • Cindy
    May 25, 2021

    Made this tonight. We only had whole wheat thin spaghetti and I omitted the red pepper flakes, we don’t like them. At the end of cooking I added a splash of heavy cream because we like a sauce with pasta. Hubby and I loved it, very flavorful. Thank-you for the recipe. It was so quick and easy, I used frozen shrimp(thawed) that came already deveined with tails off.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      May 25, 2021

      I’m so glad you both enjoyed that, Cindy! We love quick and easy recipes, and I’m so glad you do too!

      Reply

  • Renee
    March 14, 2021

    Wanted to make this tonight but forgot to pick up fresh parsley. Do you think dried parsley would work?

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      March 14, 2021

      Hi Renee, I imagine that should work too! I hope you love the recipe.

      Reply

  • Nina
    April 3, 2020

    Hey Natasha, I tried that recipe before but a tiny bit different. I used fresh chilli and fried that together with the garlic in the beginning. Makes the taste more surround the pasta I think. I didn’t used lemon zest just the juice, so I found your variation in that better. Overall its a family favourite I prefer that now to Spagetthi Bolognaise. Lots of love to you xx Nina

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      April 3, 2020

      I’m so happy you enjoyed that. Thank you for sharing that with us, Nina!

      Reply

  • Brenda Treadaway
    March 12, 2020

    Hi Natasha! I made this recipe tonight, and my daughter, son-in-law and I devoured it! I did thaw and use frozen jumbo shrimp we had on hand, added a green onion for garnish, had dried parsley so substituted that for fresh. With the garlic, olive oil, and lemon, the end result was yummy! We also added some parmesan cheese to the finished dish. My daughter has made some of your other recipes, and we all appreciate how informative your recipes are with ingredients pictured, and most of all, they’re delicious! Thank you for sharing your cooking talent with us.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      March 12, 2020

      That’s just awesome!! Thank you for sharing your wonderful review, Brenda!

      Reply

  • Nara
    November 19, 2019

    Dear Natasha,
    Greetings!
    Amazing Angel Hair with Lemon Shrimp Scampi Recipe! This recipe came out so delicious. I rave about your cooking to everyone I know!!
    Can this recipe be made the day before? Also what’s the best pan to use to cook the shrimps?
    Thank you so much for sharing all your fabulous recipes!!
    Kindest regards
    Nara

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      November 19, 2019

      Hi Nara, we love it fresh but I bet it would work if made ahead. If you test that please let me know how you like the recipe.

      Reply

  • Susan DeMars
    July 13, 2019

    best Shrimp Scampi EVER.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      July 14, 2019

      I’m so happy to hear that! Thank you for sharing your great review!

      Reply

  • Kiss
    December 27, 2017

    Hello dear! I can’t find your shrimp scampi recipes video. Did you deleted?

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      December 27, 2017

      Hi, I do have the video recipe here, sorry I forgot to put the new video in the original post!! 🙂

      Reply

  • Keith Mitcehll
    February 20, 2017

    We really enjoyed this recipe. I added some chicken stock to give a little more liquid. The pepper flakes also added some kick.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      February 20, 2017

      That’s great! I’m happy to hear you enjoy the recipe Keith! 🙂

      Reply

  • Veronica
    December 5, 2016

    This is a family favorite and I make this often! The only thing I leave out is the pepper flake since my daughter and husband don’t like spicy. Thank you for such a simple but flavorful recipe! 🙂

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      December 5, 2016

      You are very welcome Veronica and thank you for such a nice review 😁!

      Reply

  • Sharron
    February 17, 2016

    Delicious! We loved the simplicity and this flavor packed dish! Garlic Lemon Shrimp..perfect! I will be making this on a regular basis

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      February 17, 2016

      Sharron, I’m so glad you liked it 😀. Looks like you might have a new favorite!

      Reply

  • J. Bond
    October 24, 2015

    Very tasty recipe. I had to make some substitutions due to a lack of the right ingredients but it came out great!

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      October 24, 2015

      I’m so glad you liked it! I’m curious, what substitutions did you use? Thanks 🙂

      Reply

  • Alison
    October 13, 2015

    Hi Natasha, I’ve just discovered you thru Pinterest & love the photography done with your recipes. I was looking at your recipe for Angel Hair with Lemon Shrimp Scampi & it on the Pinterest picture heavy cream on the top photo. However, I don’t see it anywhere in the recipe. Can you let me know if it is an ingredient? Thanks so much. I look forward to hearing from you & getting more familiar with your site.

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      October 13, 2015

      Alison, whoever pinned the recipe, attached a different recipe link. Click here for the one you are looking for :). Welcome to the site and I hope you’ll find many favorites.

      Reply

  • Sherrie
    August 4, 2015

    Made this tonight. Super easy and we loved it!

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      August 4, 2015

      That’s so great! I’m happy you loved it 🙂

      Reply

  • JANITZA
    August 3, 2015

    HELLO, I usually don’t comment on post, however I wanted to thank you. I made this about a week ago (changed the angel hair for linguine since thats what i had available) for my family and they absolutely loved it. I liked the fact it was easy to follow and love the pictures. It was requested this week again so tonight this is in the dinner menu thank you again it was delicious

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      August 3, 2015

      I’m so happy you enjoyed it. Thanks Janitza! 🙂

      Reply

  • Catherine
    July 17, 2015

    Merci pour les photos très explicites qui permettent aux non anglophones de cuisiner !!!!!

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      July 17, 2015

      I had to use google translate but I figured out your message :). Thank you so much for your nice comment! 🙂

      Reply

  • Jo M
    March 22, 2015

    Made this for dinner and it was delicious. This is a must have to add to my recipes. My family loved it!

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      March 22, 2015

      Thanks for the great review Jo :), I’m glad everyone loved it.

      Reply

  • Bozydeco
    September 19, 2014

    Wow! Thanks for sharing. Prepared this recipe for my wife and adult daughter tonight. Wife remarked it was her new favorite for a light and tasty shrimp angel hair pasta meal.

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      September 19, 2014

      Thank you very much for great feedback, it is much appreciated :).

      Reply

  • juliana
    October 26, 2013

    Hi Natasha. Im not sure why but i did this recipe and it didnt turn out to well. Any suggestions??

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      October 26, 2013

      What happened exactly?

      Reply

  • Allochka
    September 18, 2013

    It really did!:-) It was delicious! My whole family loved it! 🙂

    Reply

  • Allochka
    September 17, 2013

    Tried today this recipe but instead of lemon I did orange and it turned out amazing! Thanks for the recipe! 🙂

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      September 18, 2013

      Ooh I’ll keep that in mind next time I don’t have a lemon. I bet that tasted good 🙂

      Reply

  • aksana
    August 18, 2013

    This was so delicious hubby loved it and so did my kid. Will be making it again soon. Great job 🙂

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      August 18, 2013

      I’m so happy you all loved it 🙂 Yes!!

      Reply

    • marie
      April 8, 2015

      Ok

      Reply

  • Larysa
    July 13, 2013

    I tried this recipe today. It was amazing , my hubby loved it!!

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      July 14, 2013

      That’s so great!! I’m so glad you enjoyed it 🙂

      Reply

  • Olga
    March 12, 2013

    This looks so delicious! Do you always add oil to your pasta water so it won’t stick? I’ve never heard of it. Genius idea!

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      March 12, 2013

      Yes I do :). Thank you.

      Reply

  • Inna
    February 26, 2013

    I know what’s for dinner tonight!

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      February 26, 2013

      Enjoy it!

      Reply

  • Lena
    February 22, 2013

    Beautiful Natasha! Love the photos! I make a version of this at least twice a month.

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      February 22, 2013

      Have you tried tossing in the parsley? It adds a freshness to it that is very nice 🙂

      Reply

      • Lenachka
        March 6, 2013

        The parsley is a great addition!!! My new favorite shrip scampi recipe!!!!

        Reply

        • Natasha
          natashaskitchen
          March 6, 2013

          I’m glad you like the recipe Lena :).

          Reply

  • sveta
    February 22, 2013

    this looks soooooooo fancy cant wait to make it I love angel hair it just soaks up all the flavor

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      February 22, 2013

      Thanks Sveta! I always have Olive Garden replace my pasta with angel hair. It’s definitely my favorite 🙂

      Reply

      • sveta
        July 17, 2013

        really me too

        Reply

  • Olya
    February 21, 2013

    Yummy! Not a big fan of shrimp but sure will try it with chicken 🙂

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      February 21, 2013

      Mmmm let me know how it tastes with chicken! 🙂

      Reply

  • alana
    February 21, 2013

    Need to try asap:) btw where did you buy those fab shrimp?

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      February 21, 2013

      I actually found them at our local Winco grocery store; it was either these that were wild caught in Texas or something from the Philippines and I also buy local if I can 🙂

      Reply

      • Deb
        February 3, 2014

        Is this really a Russian recipe? Going to an Olympics Opening Ceremony party on Friday and know this would go over quite well – it just doesn’t “sound” Russian like some of the other recipes.

        Reply

        • Natasha
          natashaskitchen
          February 3, 2014

          Deb, you are correct :), this would be more of an Italian dish.

          Reply

  • Nelya
    February 21, 2013

    Love this recipe. We make it all the time with fettuccine pasta. I like the angel hair pasta idea. Looks a lot nicer and fencier.

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      February 21, 2013

      Angel hair is just my personal favorite and my son loves it too, but I imagine it would be great with fettuccine also.

      Reply

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