This Garlic Shrimp & Basil Angel Hair is a brilliant example of how a few fresh ingredients can create a restaurant-quality dish at home. Juicy shrimp are sautéed with garlic and simmered in a bright, herbaceous tomato and white wine sauce, all served over a bed of delicate angel hair pasta. A touch of fresh basil and grated Parmesan adds depth and aroma that take the flavor over the top.
Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual date night, this dish is as impressive as it is easy. The simplicity of the ingredients allows each flavor to shine, from the sweetness of the tomatoes to the subtle brininess of the shrimp. Best of all, it comes together in just 30 minutes, making it a go-to recipe when you’re craving something comforting yet fresh and light.
Full Recipe:
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¼ cup olive oil, divided
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1 (8 ounce) package angel hair pasta
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1 teaspoon chopped garlic
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1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
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2 (28 ounce) cans Italian-style diced tomatoes, drained
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½ cup dry white wine
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¼ cup chopped parsley
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3 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
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3 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Directions:
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Bring a large pot of water with 1 tablespoon olive oil to a boil. Add angel hair pasta and cook until al dente. Drain and rinse.
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Heat remaining olive oil in a 10-inch skillet over medium heat. Sauté garlic for about 1 minute until tender.
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Add shrimp and cook for 3–5 minutes until pink and just cooked through. Remove shrimp and set aside.
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To the same skillet, stir in tomatoes, white wine, parsley, and basil. Simmer and stir occasionally until the sauce reduces by half, about 8–12 minutes.
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Return shrimp to the skillet and heat through for an additional 2–3 minutes.
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Serve shrimp and sauce mixture over angel hair pasta and top with grated Parmesan cheese.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 527 kcal | Servings: 4
A Coastal Classic: The Origins of Angel Hair Pasta with Shrimp and Basil
Angel Hair Pasta with Shrimp and Basil is a shining example of how Italian-inspired cuisine meets coastal comfort food. Rooted in Mediterranean traditions, this dish combines the simplicity of fresh ingredients with bold, refined flavors. Shrimp, known for its delicate texture and oceanic sweetness, pairs effortlessly with the silky, thin strands of angel hair pasta. The addition of ripe tomatoes, garlic, and fresh basil brings the dish to life with brightness and depth.
Historically, pasta and seafood have been paired together in countless regional recipes from Southern Italy—particularly in areas close to the sea such as Naples, Sicily, and the Amalfi Coast. The use of angel hair, or capellini, is more modern and reflects a shift towards lighter pasta dishes that still satisfy.
Why This Dish Stands Out
This isn’t just another shrimp pasta dish—it’s a celebration of contrast and harmony. The lightness of angel hair pasta allows the sauce and shrimp to shine, while the mix of acidic tomatoes, aromatic garlic, and fragrant basil gives it a multi-dimensional taste profile.
A splash of dry white wine adds sophistication and helps deglaze the pan, incorporating all the flavors and enhancing the richness of the tomato base. Parmesan cheese finishes the dish with a nutty, creamy note that ties everything together.
Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or impressing guests at a dinner party, this dish presents a sense of elegance with minimal effort. Its versatility also makes it adaptable—perfect for those who enjoy experimenting with ingredients or elevating the recipe with a personal twist.
The Balance of Flavor and Texture
One of the best features of this dish is its balance of textures and tastes. The shrimp are tender and slightly crisp from sautéing, while the tomatoes simmer down into a semi-chunky sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta. Garlic infuses the oil and tomatoes with its pungent depth, while the fresh basil brings a sweet, peppery finish that brightens the entire dish.
The angel hair pasta, known for its ultra-thin strands, is the ideal canvas for this delicate combination. Its short cooking time ensures that it remains tender without becoming mushy. It acts as the perfect medium to deliver every component of the dish in a single, delicious bite.
Nutritional Highlights
Beyond taste, this pasta dish has several nutritional advantages. Shrimp are a lean source of protein and provide essential nutrients like selenium, vitamin B12, and iodine. Tomatoes are high in antioxidants, especially lycopene, which has been associated with heart health and reduced inflammation.
Basil adds more than just aroma—it contains vitamin K and small amounts of iron and calcium. Olive oil, used for sautéing, is rich in healthy fats that support cardiovascular health. And thanks to the use of angel hair pasta, portion control and carb content are easier to manage compared to heavier pasta dishes.
This combination creates a meal that feels indulgent without being overly heavy or calorie-dense, especially if portion sizes are kept moderate.
Perfect Occasions to Serve
This recipe works for virtually any occasion. It’s quick enough for a family dinner after work, yet impressive enough to be the centerpiece of a weekend dinner with friends. It also fits beautifully into special occasions like Valentine’s Day, date nights, or festive gatherings where seafood is a highlight.
Want to make it feel even more upscale? Serve it with a crisp white wine such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, and pair it with a fresh green salad and crusty Italian bread for a well-rounded, restaurant-quality experience at home.
Tips to Elevate the Dish
While the base recipe is simple and flavorful, there are plenty of ways to customize it:
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Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes while sautéing the garlic to introduce heat.
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Add vegetables: Spinach, zucchini ribbons, or mushrooms work well and increase the nutritional value.
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Make it creamy: A splash of heavy cream or a spoonful of mascarpone stirred in at the end adds richness.
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Change the protein: If shrimp isn’t your favorite, try scallops, lump crab meat, or even grilled chicken for a different twist.
The beauty of this dish lies in its adaptability—it can be altered based on your mood, dietary needs, or what’s available in your pantry.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even a simple recipe can go awry without attention to detail. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for:
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Overcooking the shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly—overcooking leads to rubbery texture. They should just turn pink and opaque.
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Over-simmering the basil: Add basil towards the end of cooking to preserve its aromatic freshness.
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Using too much pasta: Angel hair cooks fast and expands—using more than necessary can drown the flavors.
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Using canned tomatoes without draining: Excess liquid can make the sauce watery. Draining the tomatoes prevents this.
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Skipping the wine or using poor substitutes: The wine enhances flavor complexity. If avoiding alcohol, use high-quality chicken broth or a splash of lemon juice for acidity.
Storage and Leftovers
This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to two days. Reheat gently over the stove or in a microwave-safe container with a splash of water or broth to revive the sauce and prevent drying out.
Keep in mind that reheated shrimp can become tough, so it’s best to separate them before reheating if possible. If planning for leftovers, consider cooking and storing the shrimp separately, then combining them when serving again.
Why Home Cooks Love It
The overwhelmingly positive reviews this recipe receives online are a testament to its success. Home cooks appreciate the ease, flexibility, and flavor profile. It’s also loved for being budget-friendly, using pantry staples like canned tomatoes, garlic, and pasta.
The ability to transform everyday ingredients into something that feels special is what makes this recipe so beloved. It’s also approachable for novice cooks and customizable for seasoned chefs, which gives it broad appeal across skill levels.
Conclusion: A Timeless Pasta Dish That Never Fails
Angel Hair Pasta with Shrimp and Basil is much more than a quick dinner—it’s a beautifully balanced, vibrant, and satisfying meal. From the savory depth of garlic to the sweetness of basil and the luxurious bite of shrimp, every element works in harmony to create a dish that’s comforting yet refined.
It celebrates the essence of great cooking: simple ingredients, treated with care, to bring out their best. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or hosting loved ones, this dish brings elegance and flavor to the table with ease. It’s a testament to how good food doesn’t have to be complicated—just thoughtfully prepared and shared with those who matter most.
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