There’s something truly comforting about a bowl of pasta that wraps you up in warmth and flavor, and this Creamy Angel Hair Pasta with Shrimp does exactly that. With silky angel hair pasta tossed in a luscious garlic-Parmesan cream sauce, studded with succulent shrimp for a quick, crowd-pleasing dinner, every forkful feels like a little celebration. This intermediate-level seafood pasta recipe comes together in just 10 minutes of prep and 20 minutes of cooking, making it an ideal choice for both busy weeknight dinners and leisurely weekend lunches. Each serving clocks in at around 800 kcal, striking the perfect balance between indulgence and satisfaction without leaving you too full to enjoy the rest of your evening.
In my own kitchen adventures, this dreamy dish has earned a permanent spot on rotation whenever I crave something special yet fuss-free. I still remember the first time I whipped it up for friends—watching their eyes light up as the velvety sauce, infused with garlic and Parmesan, clung to every delicate strand of pasta and each plump shrimp. The gentle kick of red pepper flakes (optional but highly recommended) adds a playful heat that elevates the whole experience, while a spritz of lemon juice brightens the rich creaminess. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner party or simply treating yourself to a restaurant-worthy meal at home, this recipe proves that homemade comfort food can be as elegant as it is easy.
KEY INGREDIENTS IN CREAMY ANGEL HAIR PASTA WITH SHRIMP
Before diving into the cooking process, let’s take a closer look at the stars of this recipe. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and ensuring a harmonious balance between creaminess, tang, and a hint of spice.
- Angel hair pasta
Delicate and thin, this pasta cooks in mere minutes and soaks up the sauce beautifully, coating each strand for maximum flavor in every bite.
- Large shrimp
Peeled and deveined, these plump morsels add a sweet, briny taste and a satisfying bite, perfectly complementing the creamy sauce.
- Olive oil
Used to sear the shrimp, it brings a subtle fruity note and prevents sticking, ensuring a golden crust on your seafood.
- Garlic
Minced and sautéed, garlic infuses the oil with its pungent aroma, laying the fragrant foundation for the rich cream sauce.
- Heavy cream
The backbone of the sauce, heavy cream delivers lush, velvety texture and carries the Parmesan flavor with effortless silkiness.
- Parmesan cheese
Freshly grated for that nutty, savory depth, it melts into the sauce, transforming it into a cheesy dream.
- Chicken broth
Added for extra depth, it lightens the cream slightly and enhances the overall savory profile without overpowering the shrimp.
- Lemon juice
A bright splash to cut through the richness, this acidic touch awakens the flavors and lifts the dish.
- Salt and pepper
Essential seasonings to taste, they bring out the natural flavors of every component, balancing creaminess and sweetness.
- Fresh parsley
Chopped and sprinkled at the end, parsley offers a fresh, herbal contrast and a pop of color.
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
For a gentle heat, these flakes introduce a warm spice that plays beautifully against the creamy sauce.
HOW TO MAKE CREAMY ANGEL HAIR PASTA WITH SHRIMP
Let’s roll up our sleeves and bring this dreamy recipe to life. Below, you’ll find detailed steps to achieve perfectly cooked pasta, juicy shrimp, and a sauce that clings to every strand with irresistible creaminess.
1. Cook the angel hair pasta in a large pot of generously salted boiling water until al dente, about 2–3 minutes depending on the package instructions. Drain the pasta, reserving a little pasta water just in case you need to thin the sauce later, and set aside.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp, arranging them in a single layer, and cook for 2–3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure a golden sear. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
3. In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant and lightly golden—be careful not to burn it, as burnt garlic can taste bitter.
4. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then let it cook for 3–4 minutes until the sauce starts to thicken and slightly reduce.
5. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes (if using). Keep the sauce moving by stirring continuously until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is completely smooth, creating a luscious, velvety texture.
6. Return the cooked pasta and shrimp to the skillet. Toss everything together with tongs or two forks, ensuring each piece of shrimp and strand of pasta is thoroughly coated in the creamy sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency.
7. Season the dish with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste. Remember that Parmesan adds saltiness, so go easy and adjust as needed.
8. Remove the skillet from the heat and finish with a generous sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately for that perfect moment when the sauce is still warm and clings to the pasta.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR CREAMY ANGEL HAIR PASTA WITH SHRIMP
Once your Creamy Angel Hair Pasta with Shrimp is ready, presentation and pairings can take it to the next level. Below are a few ideas to help you serve this delectable dish in style and create a memorable dining experience.
- Crusty Garlic Bread on the Side: Toast slices of baguette brushed with garlic-infused butter until golden and crisp. The crunchy texture is perfect for scooping up any leftover creamy sauce on your plate.
- Crisp Green Salad: Balance the richness of the pasta with a simple salad of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light lemon vinaigrette. The acidity and freshness cut through the creaminess, making each bite more vibrant.
- Extra Parmesan Shavings: Just before serving, use a vegetable peeler to add thin shavings of Parmesan over the dish. These delicate ribbons melt partially into the warm pasta, adding a gourmet touch and intense cheesy flavor.
- Chilled White Wine Pairing: A glass of crisp Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc complements the seafood and creamy sauce beautifully. Serve the wine well-chilled to refresh your palate between bites.
HOW TO STORE CREAMY ANGEL HAIR PASTA WITH SHRIMP
Storing your leftover Creamy Angel Hair Pasta with Shrimp properly ensures you can enjoy it again without sacrificing flavor or texture. Here are a few tried-and-true methods to keep your dish tasting freshly made:
- Refrigerate in an Airtight Container: Allow the pasta to cool to room temperature before transferring it into a sealed container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of broth or cream to revive the sauce’s creaminess.
- Freeze for Longer Storage: For extended keeping, place cooled portions in a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove as much air as possible and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheat Gently on the Stovetop: To maintain the sauce’s silky texture, reheat over low heat, stirring frequently and adding small amounts of broth or cream as needed. Avoid high heat, which can cause the cream to separate.
- Separate Components: If you anticipate leftovers, store the sauce and pasta/shrimp separately. This prevents the pasta from soaking up too much liquid and becoming mushy. Combine and gently warm when ready to serve again.
CONCLUSION
Bringing this Creamy Angel Hair Pasta with Shrimp recipe into your kitchen is like inviting a touch of gourmet flair into everyday cooking. From the silky strands of pasta enveloped in a rich garlic-Parmesan cream to the plump, perfectly seared shrimp studding each forkful, every element works in harmony to deliver a meal that feels both indulgent and surprisingly accessible. You’ll find that the moderate level of hands-on technique—searing shrimp, simmering sauce, and tossing everything together—makes this an intermediate pursuit that yields professional-worthy results without requiring hours of effort. Best of all, the total time commitment is just 10 minutes of prep and 20 minutes of cooking, which means you can treat yourself and your loved ones to a luxurious dinner any night of the week.
Feel free to print this article and tuck it into your recipe binder or save it on your device for quick reference next time you’re craving a decadently creamy pasta dinner or a satisfying seafood pasta lunch. If you need to revisit the cooking steps, the handy FAQ section below (not included here) has you covered with tips and troubleshooting. I’d love to hear how your kitchen adventure goes—please leave any comments, questions, or feedback if you try this recipe or need help along the way. Your culinary successes and stories make all the difference, and I can’t wait to see how you make this dish your own!
Creamy Angel Hair Pasta with Shrimp
Description
Experience a dreamy, velvety sauce infused with garlic and Parmesan, wrapping each strand of angel hair and plump shrimp in utter decadence.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Cook the angel hair pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
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In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
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Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, and bring to a simmer. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce starts to thicken.
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Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir continuously until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
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Add the cooked pasta and shrimp to the skillet. Toss everything together to coat the pasta and shrimp with the creamy sauce.
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Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.
Note
- For extra flavor, you can add a splash of white wine to the sauce before adding the cream.
- Substitute angel hair with any pasta of your choice if preferred.
- If you like a bit of heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes.
- For a richer taste, try using half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
