Shrimp And Pasta
A delicious seafood pasta dish featuring tender shrimp coated in garlic and fresh herbs, tossed with light angel hair pasta and topped with Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, offering bright lemon and basil flavors that appeal to seafood lovers and pasta enthusiasts alike.
Ingredients
- 8 oz. angel hair pasta ⓘ
- 4 Tbsp. vegetable oil ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. margarine ⓘ
- 1 lb. shrimp, peeled and deveined ⓘ
- 3 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 Tbsp. lemon juice ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. fresh basil or 1 1/2 tsp. dried basil ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. marjoram ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. parsley, chopped ⓘ
- salt and pepper to taste ⓘ
- grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook the angel hair pasta according to the package instructions.
- Heat vegetable oil and margarine in a large skillet until melted.
- Add shrimp and chopped garlic to the skillet and cook until shrimp turn pink.
- Stir in lemon juice, basil, marjoram, and chopped parsley.
- Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Toss the cooked pasta with the shrimp mixture until well coated.
- Top with grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter option, substitute olive oil for vegetable oil and use whole wheat angel hair pasta. You can also add in vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes for extra flavor. If you're short on time, pre-cooked shrimp can be used. Make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly to prevent overcooking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this shrimp and pasta dish with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. A glass of white wine pairs beautifully with the flavors. For an Italian twist, consider serving it alongside Aglio A Olio (Garlic And Oil Sauce With Tuna And Anchovies) for a delightful seafood experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the pasta and shrimp mixture in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the shrimp rubbery.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Shrimp And Pasta contains roughly 948 calories, with 10g protein, 19g carbohydrates, and 95g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (47% of the Daily Value) and protein (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1506mg per serving (65% 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 and patted dry before cooking. This helps them cook evenly and prevents excess water from being released during sautéing.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add heat, consider incorporating red pepper flakes while cooking the garlic or adding diced jalapeños to the shrimp mixture. This will elevate the dish and add a nice kick without overpowering the other flavors.
What can I substitute for basil if I don’t have any?
If you don't have fresh or dried basil, you can substitute with oregano or thyme, though the flavor will differ slightly. Another great option is to use Italian seasoning, which combines multiple herbs and works well in this dish.
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).