Creamy Shrimp and Spinach Angel Hair Pasta with Lemon Caper Sauce
Indulge in a delightful blend of flavors and textures with this Creamy Shrimp and Spinach Angel Hair Pasta. This dish features tender angel hair pasta tossed in a luscious creamy sauce made with fresh lemon juice, briny capers, and sweet cherry tomatoes. Paired with succulent shrimp and nutrient-dense baby spinach, each bite offers a burst of flavor and color. Perfect for a special occasion or a comforting weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to impress even the most discerning palate. Easy to prepare and utterly delicious, it's a meal that proves cooking can indeed be a rewarding joy.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
17
Ingredients
Ingredients
angel hair pasta
8 ounces
butter
1 tablespoon (melted)
extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons
garlic cloves
2 (minced)
chicken broth
1/2 cup
cherry tomatoes
1 (15 ounce) can (drained)
milk
1 cup
fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon
capers
1 tablespoon (chopped if large)
Baby Spinach
2 ounces
nutmeg
1 pinch
fresh ground black pepper
to taste
cornstarch
1 teaspoon (optional, to thicken the sauce)
shrimp
6 ounces (cooked)
fresh mozzarella cheese
4 ounces (cut into small dice)
kosher salt
to taste (optional)
fresh parsley
for garnish (chopped)
Instructions
1
1. Begin by boiling water in a large pot. Add the angel hair pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside, keeping it warm.
2
2. In a large skillet, melt the butter and heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic, stirring quickly to release its flavor without browning it, about 1 minute.
3
3. Pour in the chicken broth and stir in the drained cherry tomatoes, milk, fresh lemon juice, capers, and baby spinach. Season with a pinch of nutmeg and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
4
4. Allow the sauce to simmer for approximately 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. If you prefer a thicker sauce, sprinkle in the cornstarch and mix well. Use the back of a spoon to gently break up the cherry tomatoes, if desired.
5
5. Add the cooked shrimp to the skillet and heat through until warmed. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with more black pepper or a pinch of kosher salt, if needed.
6
6. In a large bowl, combine the warm angel hair pasta with the diced mozzarella. Gently toss to coat the pasta with cheese.
7
7. Pour the creamy shrimp and spinach sauce over the pasta, tossing gently to combine all ingredients thoroughly. Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for an added touch of brightness.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein in this recipe?
The main protein in this recipe is six ounces of cooked shrimp.
How much angel hair pasta is required?
You will need 8 ounces of angel hair pasta for this dish.
What kind of sauce does this pasta have?
It features a creamy sauce made with chicken broth, milk, lemon juice, capers, and cherry tomatoes.
How do I cook the angel hair pasta?
Boil the pasta in a large pot according to package directions until it is al dente, then drain and keep warm.
What vegetables are included in this dish?
The dish includes baby spinach and cherry tomatoes.
Do I need to use fresh or canned tomatoes?
This recipe specifically calls for one 15-ounce can of cherry tomatoes, drained.
How should I prepare the garlic?
You should use two garlic cloves that have been minced.
What is the role of cornstarch in this recipe?
One teaspoon of cornstarch is used as an optional ingredient to thicken the sauce if a thicker consistency is preferred.
How long should the sauce simmer?
The sauce should simmer for approximately 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
What kind of cheese is added to the pasta?
Four ounces of fresh mozzarella cheese, cut into small dice, are tossed with the warm pasta.
How is the lemon flavor incorporated?
One tablespoon of fresh lemon juice is stirred into the sauce ingredients.
Should the capers be chopped?
The recipe suggests chopping the capers if they are large.
What spices and seasonings are used?
The dish is seasoned with a pinch of nutmeg, freshly ground black pepper, and optional kosher salt.
How much baby spinach is needed?
The recipe calls for 2 ounces of baby spinach.
When should I add the shrimp to the pan?
Add the cooked shrimp to the skillet after the sauce has simmered for 10 minutes, heating them through until warmed.
What fats are used to sauté the garlic?
A combination of one tablespoon of butter and two tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil is used.
Can I use the back of a spoon on the tomatoes?
Yes, you can use the back of a spoon to gently break up the cherry tomatoes while the sauce simmers.
What is the recommended garnish?
Freshly chopped parsley is recommended as a garnish for an added touch of brightness.
How much chicken broth is required?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of chicken broth.
How much milk is used in the sauce?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of milk.
Is the garlic browned in this recipe?
No, you should stir the garlic quickly to release its flavor without letting it brown, which takes about 1 minute.
Is this recipe considered easy to prepare?
Yes, the description mentions it is easy to prepare and perfect for a special occasion or a comforting weeknight dinner.
How do you combine the pasta and cheese?
In a large bowl, combine the warm angel hair pasta with the diced mozzarella and gently toss to coat the pasta with the cheese.
How much butter is used?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of butter.
Can I adjust the seasoning at the end?
Yes, after adding the shrimp, you should taste the sauce and adjust with more black pepper or kosher salt if needed.
What tags describe this dish?
Tags include pasta, shrimp, angel hair, creamy sauce, lemon, caper, spinach, easy dinner, and comfort food.
How many garlic cloves should I mince?
You should mince 2 garlic cloves.
What amount of olive oil is used?
The recipe requires 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 17 total ingredients listed for this recipe.
Should the pasta be served hot or cold?
The dish should be served hot immediately after tossing the pasta with the sauce and garnish.