Pan-Seared Shrimp with Garlic Lemon Butter and Angel Hair Pasta

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Succulent shrimp sautéed in garlic lemon butter sauce served over delicate angel hair pasta for a light, flavorful dinner. This italian-inspired seafood ready in about 25 minutes pairs angel hair pasta, large shrimp (peeled and deveined), unsalted butter for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz angel hair pasta and cook for 3-4 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 1 tbsp olive oil and 2 tbsp unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 5 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 lb peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Cook for 2 minutes on one side until pink and opaque, then flip and cook 1 minute more.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp lemon zest, and remaining 2 tbsp butter. Toss shrimp gently to coat in the lemon butter sauce and cook for 1 more minute until sauce thickens slightly.
  5. Step 5: Add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing well to combine and heat through. Sprinkle with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Shrimp with Garlic Lemon Butter and Angel Hair Pasta take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Pan-Seared Shrimp with Garlic Lemon Butter and Angel Hair Pasta?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep angel hair pasta from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Shrimp with Garlic Lemon Butter and Angel Hair Pasta?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Pan-Seared Shrimp with Garlic Lemon Butter and Angel Hair Pasta for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Pan-Seared Shrimp with Garlic Lemon Butter and Angel Hair Pasta?

Italian seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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