Imagine twirling your fork into a plate of delicate angel hair pasta, adorned with succulent shrimp and kissed by the fresh, aromatic essence of dill. This isn't just another pasta dish—it's a culinary escape that transforms your kitchen into a gourmet Italian coastal restaurant in just 25 minutes! Whether you're looking to impress a date, treat yourself to a quick yet elegant meal, or simply craving a seafood sensation that will make your taste buds dance, this recipe is your golden ticket to instant gastronomic bliss.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces angel hair pasta
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Measure out 8 ounces of angel hair pasta, 1 pound of large shrimp (peeled and deveined), 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and 2 cloves of garlic (minced). Also, chop 1/4 cup of fresh dill and set it aside. Make sure to have salt and pepper ready for seasoning.
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous amount of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the angel hair pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 3-4 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic as it can turn bitter.
- Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Make sure not to overcrowd the skillet; you may need to do this in batches if your skillet isn’t large enough.
- Once the shrimp are cooked, reduce the heat to low. Drain the angel hair pasta, reserving a small cup of the pasta cooking water.
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the shrimp and garlic. Toss gently to combine, ensuring the pasta is well coated with the olive oil and shrimp juices. If the pasta seems dry, add a little reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency.
- Stir in the chopped fresh dill, mixing well to distribute the flavor throughout the dish. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if necessary.
- Remove the skillet from heat. Serve the angel hair pasta with shrimp and dill immediately, garnished with additional dill if desired. Enjoy your delicious Italian-inspired meal!
Tips
- Salt is Your Friend: Don't be shy with pasta water salting—it should taste like the sea to properly season your pasta from within.
- Shrimp Cooking Precision: Watch your shrimp closely! They're done when they turn pink and form a loose "C" shape. Overcooking makes them tough and rubbery.
- Pasta Water Magic: Always reserve a cup of pasta water before draining. Its starchy goodness helps create a silky sauce and helps ingredients cling together.
- Fresh Dill Matters: Use fresh dill if possible—it provides a brighter, more vibrant flavor compared to dried herbs.
- Quick Tossing Technique: When combining pasta and shrimp, use tongs or a pasta server to gently toss, ensuring even coating without breaking the delicate angel hair.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 230mg
