Name: Shrimp and Angel Hair Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 8-12 ounces angel hair pasta (cooked and drained); 1 Tablespoon olive oil; 6 cloves garlic (minced); 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes; 7 medium roma or plum tomatoes (seeded and roughly chopped); 1/2 cup chicken broth; 1 pound medium raw shrimp (peeled and deveined); 1 Tablespoon salted butter; 1/4 cup fresh basil (chopped); Salt & pepper (to taste); 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

If you’re on the hunt for a dinner that’s both effortless and fancy enough to impress, you’ve got to try this Shrimp and Angel Hair Pasta Recipe. I absolutely love how this dish combines tender shrimp with the lightest, most delicate pasta – it’s like a match made in heaven. Plus, it comes together in about 20 minutes, so it’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious but don’t have hours to cook. Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through every step to make this recipe a total win in your kitchen.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
Fresh Flavors: Bright tomatoes and basil bring lightness that perfectly complements shrimp.
Restaurant Quality at Home: Looks impressive but is downright simple to make.
Versatile: You can tweak it easily with your favorite herbs or add veggies for extra goodness.

A white bowl filled with spaghetti noodles forms the base layer, golden-yellow in color and slightly glossy from sauce. Scattered on top are pieces of pinkish shrimp with a slightly translucent texture, some nestled among the noodles and others resting on top. Small chunks of red tomatoes and bits of green herbs are mixed in throughout the pasta, adding pops of color. The whole dish is lightly sprinkled with finely grated white cheese, creating a loose, snow-like layer over the shrimp and noodles. A silver fork is tucked into the side of the bowl, slightly lifting a bite of pasta that shows the layered ingredients clearly. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

What’s great about this Shrimp and Angel Hair Pasta Recipe is how these few simple ingredients come together to create a meal that’s bursting with flavor. Plus, you’ll want to pick ripe tomatoes and fresh basil for the best taste — it really makes a difference!

Angel hair pasta: Its thin strands cook quickly and perfectly soak up the sauce.
Olive oil: Use good quality extra virgin for that rich, fruity note.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds that essential aromatic base.
Crushed red pepper flakes: Just a pinch to bring subtle heat and depth.
Roma or plum tomatoes: Seeded and chopped for a fresh, slightly tangy sauce.
Chicken broth: Adds savory moisture and layers of flavor without heaviness.
Raw shrimp: Peeled and deveined, so they cook quickly and are easy to eat.
Salted butter: For a silky, luxurious finish to the sauce.
Fresh basil: Chopped right before serving to brighten the dish.
Salt & pepper: To taste — always season gradually and taste as you go.
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Sprinkled on top to add a savory, cheesy kick.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Personally, I love being flexible with this Shrimp and Angel Hair Pasta Recipe. It’s a great base that you can tweak depending on what you have in your fridge or what flavors you’re craving. Don’t be shy about making it your own!

Add veggies: Sometimes I toss in spinach or asparagus for a vibrant green pop and extra nutrients.
Spice it up: If you like heat, try adding more crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper.
Herb swap: If basil isn’t your thing, fresh parsley or oregano work beautifully too.
Dairy-free: Skip the butter and Parmesan and finish with a drizzle of high-quality olive oil for a lighter, dairy-free version.

How to Make Shrimp and Angel Hair Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Build the Flavor Base

Heat the olive oil over medium-high heat and toss in your freshly minced garlic along with a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes. You want to cook this just about a minute — keep stirring constantly so the garlic doesn’t burn, or you’ll end up with bitterness instead of that lovely aromatic flavor we’re after.

Step 2: Create the Tomato Sauce

Add your chopped, seeded tomatoes along with a bit of salt and pepper, then pour in the chicken broth (or white wine if you prefer). Lower the heat slightly and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. This cooks down the tomatoes into a flavorful, slightly chunky sauce. Stir occasionally but gently.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

While your sauce simmers, boil the angel hair pasta in generously salted water until it’s just al dente — usually 3 to 4 minutes. Save about half a cup of that pasta water before draining; it’s liquid gold when you need to loosen up your sauce later.

Step 4: Cook the Shrimp

Add the shrimp right into the simmering sauce and nestle them in. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes total, flipping them halfway through. You’ll know they’re done when they turn pink and curl—watch closely, though! Overcooking them will make them rubbery, and nobody wants that.

Step 5: Finish the Sauce and Toss Pasta

Stir in the butter and chopped basil until the butter melts and brings everything together with a silky finish. Taste your sauce and add more salt or pepper as needed. Then, toss in the drained angel hair pasta, adding reserved pasta water little by little to get the perfect sauce consistency — smooth and luscious, never dry.

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Pro Tips for Making Shrimp and Angel Hair Pasta Recipe

Prep Shrimp Ahead: Peel and devein your shrimp before starting to speed things up.
Don’t Overcook Pasta: Angel hair pasta cooks super fast — keep a close eye so it stays perfectly tender.
Save Pasta Water: That starchy water is magic for loosening your sauce and helping it cling to every strand.
Adjust Heat Carefully: Keep your skillet at medium heat when cooking shrimp to prevent rubbery texture.

How to Serve Shrimp and Angel Hair Pasta Recipe

A white plate with floral patterns around the edge holds a single layer of light yellow spaghetti noodles. On top, there are five pink shrimp placed evenly around the pasta. Small pieces of red tomato and green spinach leaves are scattered across the noodles and shrimp. The plate is on a white marbled surface with part of a white cloth visible in the top right corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I always top this dish with a sprinkle of fresh basil and a generous handful of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. The basil adds a burst of freshness, and that Parmesan? It makes every bite just a little more decadent. A squeeze of lemon juice can also brighten it up wonderfully if you’re in the mood for extra zing.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides with this Shrimp and Angel Hair Pasta Recipe are a crisp green salad and some crusty garlic bread. The salad balances the richness of the pasta, and the bread? Perfect for sopping up every last bit of sauce. Roasted or steamed veggies also complement this dish beautifully to keep it vibrant and satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to plate the pasta in nests on each plate, then layer the shrimp on top and garnish with whole basil leaves and a lemon wedge on the side. It looks so elegant and makes guests feel like you really went the extra mile—without much extra effort!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (which I hope you do!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. I find they stay good for up to 2 days. Just be sure to cool the pasta completely before sealing it, so it keeps its texture nicely.

Freezing

Freezing shrimp pasta can be a bit tricky since pasta tends to get mushy when thawed. I recommend freezing the sauce and shrimp separately from the pasta if you want to prep ahead. Then, you can reheat and toss with freshly cooked pasta later for the best texture.

Reheating

The best way I’ve found to reheat leftover Shrimp and Angel Hair Pasta Recipe is gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth. This helps loosen up the sauce and warms everything evenly without drying it out. Microwaving works too, but take care not to overheat and toughen the shrimp.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just thaw frozen shrimp completely before cooking. Pat them dry to remove excess moisture, which helps them sear better and prevents the sauce from becoming watery.
What if I don’t have angel hair pasta?

No worries! You can substitute spaghetti or thin linguine. Just adjust the cooking time since angel hair cooks faster—watch closely to avoid overcooking the pasta.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Simply skip the shrimp and add hearty vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or artichokes instead. Increase the broth or vegetable stock for richness and consider adding a splash of lemon for brightness.
How do I avoid overcooking the shrimp?

Keep your eye on the shrimp as they cook — they turn pink and curl up when done, usually in 3 to 4 minutes. Remove them from heat right away to prevent rubberiness.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the tomato sauce a day in advance and refrigerate it. Add the shrimp and finish cooking just before serving to keep the shrimp tender and fresh.

Final Thoughts

This Shrimp and Angel Hair Pasta Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it proves that simple ingredients can create something truly memorable. Each time I make it, it feels like a little celebration of fresh flavors and easy cooking. I’m confident that once you try it, you’ll keep coming back to this recipe whenever you want a fuss-free, impressive meal. Trust me — your family and friends will thank you for it!