If you’re craving a dish that’s both elegant and comforting, this Creamy Lemon Parmesan Angel Hair Pasta with Shrimp is a must-try. The zesty lemon and rich Parmesan perfectly complement the tender shrimp, creating a flavor combination that’s nothing short of delightful. It’s a quick and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Grab your ingredients and let’s get cooking!
Steps
- Cook the angel hair pasta in salted water as per the package instructions, which should take about 4 minutes. Before draining, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water for later use.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and sauté for about 2 minutes. Then, add the garlic and continue to cook until the shrimp are fully cooked, approximately 2 more minutes.
- Combine the drained pasta with the shrimp in the skillet. Stir in 1/3 cup of the reserved pasta water, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Add additional pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, if needed.
- Mix in 2 tablespoons each of fresh parsley and basil, then sprinkle the dish with Parmesan cheese. Garnish with the remaining 1 tablespoon of parsley and basil before serving warm.
Ingredients
- Parmesan Angel Hair Pasta with Shrimp:
- Peeled and deveined shrimp
- Angel hair pasta
- Olive oil
- Unsalted butter
- Salt
- Pepper
- Garlic
- Lemon juice
- Lemon zest
- Fresh basil (2 tablespoons)
- Fresh parsley (2 tablespoons)
- Shredded Parmesan cheese
Nutritional Values
Calories 2755 | Calories from Fat 945 | Fat 105g | Saturated Fat 40g | Cholesterol 1565mg | Sodium 1500mg | Potassium 1475mg | Carbohydrates 265g | Fiber 10g | Sugar 10g | Protein 180g | Vitamin A 3455IU | Vitamin C 65mg | Calcium 1525mg | Iron 20mg
FAQ
- Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
- Absolutely, just ensure the shrimp is fully thawed and dried with a paper towel before cooking it in the skillet.
- Is it possible to incorporate vegetables into this dish?
- Yes, you can add vegetables like chopped asparagus or broccoli. It’s best to cook them separately in a skillet and mix them in with the pasta and shrimp just before serving.
- What can I substitute for angel hair pasta?
- If you don’t have angel hair pasta, any long, thin pasta such as spaghetti would be a suitable alternative for this recipe.
- What if I don’t enjoy shrimp?
- You can substitute the shrimp with chicken if you prefer. The recipe should still turn out delicious with this change.
- Are fresh herbs necessary?
- Fresh herbs are highly recommended for this dish as they offer a superior flavor and texture compared to dried herbs.
Tips
- Tail Management: Consider removing the shrimp tails before cooking. This makes it easier to eat the pasta without having to deal with tails while dining.
- Cheese Application: Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top after serving rather than mixing it into the pasta. This prevents the cheese from clumping and ensures a smoother texture.
- Herb Usage: Use fresh herbs instead of dried ones to enhance the flavor and texture of the dish. Fresh herbs significantly contribute to the overall taste.
- Pasta Alternative: If you don’t have angel hair pasta, feel free to substitute it with another long, thin pasta like spaghetti, which will work just as well.
Equipment
- Parmesan Angel Hair Pasta with Shrimp, you would typically need the following main equipment, which can be found on Amazon:
- Large skillet
- Pot for boiling pasta
- Colander or pasta strainer
- Zester for lemon zest
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Tongs or a pasta fork for tossing the pasta
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
