Creamy Angel Hair Pasta With Lemon
Creamy angel hair pasta with lemon and shrimp offers a bright, flavorful dish perfect for quick weeknight dinners or elegant gatherings with fresh citrus and herbs.
Ingredients
- 8 oz. refrigerated Angel Hair Pasta ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. olive oil ⓘ
- 1 clove large garlic, peeled and minced ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chicken broth ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. lemon juice ⓘ
- 1 lb. large shrimp, peeled and deveined ⓘ
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 1/4 cup whipping cream ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. finely grated lemon peel ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. chopped fresh cilantro ⓘ
Instructions
- Prepare pasta according to package directions; drain.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add olive oil and sauté garlic for 1 minute, or until just golden; do not brown.
- Add chicken broth and lemon juice; bring to a boil.
- Add shrimp and cook until pink, about 3 minutes.
- Reduce heat to low, add Parmesan cheese, whipping cream, and lemon peel; cook about 3 minutes to thoroughly heat, but do not boil.
- Season with salt.
- Combine shrimp mixture and chopped cilantro with the cooked angel hair pasta; toss to mix.
- Serve immediately.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier sauce, consider adding more whipping cream or a splash of milk. You can substitute the shrimp with cooked chicken or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can be added for an extra flavor twist. If you want a bit of spice, a pinch of red pepper flakes can enhance the dish beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. You can also serve it alongside Zuppa Toscanna Soup for a comforting dinner. A light white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc, complements the lemon and shrimp flavors perfectly.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent the pasta from drying out, and warm it gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Creamy Angel Hair Pasta With Lemon contains roughly 256 calories, with 21g protein, 25g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (69% of the Daily Value), protein (42% of the Daily Value), and iron (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2708mg per serving (118% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp can be used. Just ensure they are fully thawed before cooking, or adjust the cooking time as needed. Frozen shrimp are often just as flavorful and can be a convenient option.
What can I substitute for Parmesan cheese?
If you don't have Parmesan cheese, you can use Pecorino Romano or a nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option. Both will provide a similar savory flavor that complements the dish well.
Is there a way to make this dish spicier?
Absolutely! You can add red pepper flakes to the sauce while cooking or mix in some diced jalapeños for a fresh kick. Adjust the amount to your heat preference.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).