Zesty Lemon Shrimp Scampi with Angel Hair Pasta
Indulge in this vibrant and zesty Lemon Shrimp Scampi, perfectly paired with delicate angel hair pasta. This restaurant-quality dish combines the freshness of succulent shrimp with the tangy brightness of fresh lemon juice and zest, all enhanced by aromatic garlic and green onions. Ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this delectable meal can be easily tailored to your taste preferences. Adjust the garlic intensity or spice level to suit your palate, and enjoy a delightful medley of flavors that will transport you to a seaside bistro. Remember to dry the shrimp thoroughly for the best sauce consistency, and prepare to impress your family and friends with this effortless yet elegant dish. It's not just food; it's an experience to savor!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
1/3 cup (melted)
green onions
2 (chopped)
fresh minced garlic
2 tablespoons (minced (or to taste))
crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon
grated lemon zest
1 tablespoon
fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup
salt
to taste
black pepper
to taste (freshly cracked)
large raw shrimp
2 lbs (peeled and deveined)
fresh parsley
1/4 cup (chopped)
angel hair pasta
12 ounces (cooked)
parmesan cheese
to taste (for serving)
Instructions
1
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat, ensuring it doesn't brown.
2
Add the chopped green onions, minced garlic, grated lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir and cook for about 2 minutes until fragrant and the garlic is lightly golden.
3
Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the dried shrimp to the skillet. Cook, stirring gently, for approximately 4-5 minutes, until the shrimp turns pink and opaque.
4
Season with salt and plenty of freshly cracked black pepper, adjusting to your taste. Stir in the freshly chopped parsley for flavor and color.
5
Add the cooked angel hair pasta to the skillet, tossing everything thoroughly to ensure the pasta is well coated with the lemony shrimp sauce.
6
Serve immediately, garnished with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
7
Enjoy your delicious Zesty Lemon Shrimp Scampi!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Lemon Shrimp Scampi with Angel Hair Pasta?
It is a vibrant, restaurant-quality seafood dish featuring succulent shrimp, fresh lemon juice, garlic, and green onions served over delicate angel hair pasta.
What type of pasta is used in this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for 12 ounces of cooked angel hair pasta to pair with the light lemon sauce.
How much shrimp do I need for this recipe?
You will need 2 lbs of large raw shrimp that have been peeled and deveined.
What are the main aromatics used in the sauce?
The sauce is built using 2 chopped green onions and 2 tablespoons of fresh minced garlic.
How do I prevent the butter from browning?
You should melt the butter over medium heat and monitor it closely to ensure it stays clear and does not turn brown.
When do I add the lemon components?
The grated lemon zest and fresh lemon juice are added to the skillet along with the garlic and green onions before the shrimp.
Is this shrimp scampi recipe spicy?
The recipe includes 1/2 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes, providing a mild heat that can be adjusted to your preference.
How long should I cook the garlic and onions?
Cook the chopped green onions and minced garlic for about 2 minutes until they are fragrant and the garlic is lightly golden.
How long does it take to cook the shrimp?
The shrimp should be cooked over medium-low heat for approximately 4-5 minutes until they turn pink and opaque.
Why should I dry the shrimp before cooking?
Drying the shrimp thoroughly is recommended to achieve the best sauce consistency and prevent excess moisture from thinning the butter sauce.
What kind of pepper is recommended for seasoning?
The recipe suggests using plenty of freshly cracked black pepper for the best flavor profile.
What herbs are added to the scampi?
1/4 cup of fresh, chopped parsley is stirred into the skillet for both color and flavor.
How is the pasta integrated into the dish?
The cooked angel hair pasta is added directly to the skillet and tossed thoroughly to ensure it is well coated with the lemony shrimp sauce.
What garnish is used for serving?
The dish is finished with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
Can I adjust the garlic amount?
Yes, the recipe allows you to adjust the 2 tablespoons of minced garlic to suit your personal taste.
What is the fat base for the sauce?
The base of this scampi sauce is 1/3 cup of melted butter.
How much lemon juice is required?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of fresh lemon juice to provide its signature zesty flavor.
How much lemon zest is needed?
You should use 1 tablespoon of grated lemon zest.
Is this recipe suitable for a quick weeknight dinner?
Yes, it is designed to be a quick and effortless meal that can be prepared in a short amount of time.
Should the shrimp be raw or pre-cooked?
The recipe requires large raw shrimp to ensure they cook properly within the sauce for maximum flavor.
How many green onions are used?
The recipe specifies using 2 green onions, chopped.
Can I substitute the angel hair pasta?
While angel hair is recommended, you can tailor the dish to your preference by using other thin pasta varieties if needed.
When is the Parmesan cheese added?
The Parmesan cheese is added at the very end as a garnish just before serving.
What is the texture of the shrimp when finished?
The shrimp should be tender, pink, and opaque, indicating they are perfectly cooked.
Is this a restaurant-quality meal?
Yes, the description highlights that this dish provides a restaurant-quality experience at home.
Does this recipe use salt?
Yes, salt is added to taste to enhance the other flavors in the dish.
What heat level is used for cooking the shrimp?
The heat should be reduced to medium-low when adding the shrimp to the skillet.
What is the main flavor profile of this dish?
The dish is zesty, tangy, and aromatic, defined by the combination of lemon, garlic, and butter.
Is the parsley fresh or dried?
The recipe specifically calls for 1/4 cup of fresh parsley, chopped.
How should the dish be served?
It should be served immediately while hot, ensuring the pasta and shrimp are perfectly tossed together.