Sautéed Shrimp with Garlic, Lemon, and Chili Flakes over Angel Hair Pasta
Succulent shrimp sautéed with garlic, lemon zest, and chili flakes tossed with angel hair pasta for a bright and spicy seafood dish. This Italian-inspired seafood recipe, ready in about 20 minutes, pairs large shrimp, peeled and deveined, angel hair pasta, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 390 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. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 8 oz angel hair pasta
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves minced garlic
- 1/2 tsp red chili flakes
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
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Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- 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, reserving 1/4 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 cloves minced garlic and 1/2 tsp red chili flakes, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Add 1 lb peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet, seasoning with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp turn pink and opaque.
- Step 4: Stir in 1 tsp lemon zest and 2 tbsp lemon juice, then add the drained pasta and 1/4 cup reserved pasta water to the skillet. Toss everything together for 1 minute until the pasta is well coated and the sauce slightly thickens.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley over the top before serving immediately.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Shrimp with Garlic, Lemon, and Chili Flakes over Angel Hair Pasta take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 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 Sautéed Shrimp with Garlic, Lemon, and Chili Flakes over Angel Hair Pasta?
Refrigerate in a covered airtight container for up to 3–4 days (FDA FoodKeeper guideline for cooked fish). Store any fresh salsa or citrus-based garnish in a separate container — it keeps for up to 2 days. Freeze cooked fish (without fresh garnishes) for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently at 275°F until just warmed through to preserve texture.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Shrimp with Garlic, Lemon, and Chili Flakes over 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 Sautéed Shrimp with Garlic, Lemon, and Chili Flakes over 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 Sautéed Shrimp with Garlic, Lemon, and Chili Flakes over 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.
