Angel Hair Pasta with Garlic Butter Scampi Sauce

Name: Angel Hair Pasta with Garlic Butter Scampi Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 8 ounces angel hair pasta (uncooked ); 1/2 cup salted butter ((8 tablespoons)); 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil; 4 cloves garlic (minced); 1 cup chicken broth; ½ cup dry white wine; 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved lengthwise); 1 teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt (or to taste (if using any other type of salt, reduce the amount by half)); 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional); ½ teaspoon ground black pepper (or to taste); 1/2 lemon (freshly squeezed); ½ cup water (reserved from pasta, if needed)

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Our angel hair pasta tossed in a garlic butter scampi sauce is a simple yet delicious recipe you’ll want to make again and again! We love pairing it with our lemon pepper salmon for a twist on salmon scampi pasta. It's also tasty when served alongside our baked blackened salmon!

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This easy angel hair pasta dish with scampi sauce is perfect for any night of the week! It's not our typical Southern style recipe, but it pairs perfectly with our popular lemon pepper salmon!

The inspiration for this recipe actually came from Brio’s shrimp scampi, which was on their menu years ago. Since it’s no longer available, I set out to recreate it at home. I also took a page from the New York Times’ classic shrimp scampi recipe for the sauce, tweaking it after reading through the comments section where readers shared their own adjustments to make the sauce even better.

I wanted the perfect balance of butter, garlic, and lemon, with just the right amount of sauce to coat the pasta without overwhelming it. After a little experimenting, I nailed the consistency—this sauce is perfect!

Whenever I make make this recipe, I pair it with lemon pepper salmon. I’ve always loved the zesty kick of homemade lemon pepper seasoning; it’s a perfect match with the thin, buttery pasta.

This lemon butter pasta recipe is super quick to make, which makes it ideal for a weeknight dinner or a special weekend meal! It has quickly become a regular on our dinner table and a delicious way to bring a little bit of restaurant-style flavor into your home.

What we love about this recipe

Perfect Scampi Sauce: Buttery, garlic-infused sauce with a burst of lemon for a zesty, savory flavor.
Quick and Easy: Made with just a few ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen!
Versatile Pairing: Goes perfectly with chicken or fish for a balanced, delicious meal full of flavor.

Ingredients

A full ingredient list with exact amounts can be found in the recipe card below.

Angel hair pasta
Salted butter and extra-virgin olive oil
Garlic
Chicken broth
Dry white wine (i.e. Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or Chardonnay)
Cherry tomatoes
Crushed red pepper flakes
Freshly squeezed juice of half a lemon

Substitutions and modifications

Pasta: Use spaghetti or capellini, as a replacement (they both have a similar thin texture). For a slightly thicker option, fettuccine or linguine also work well.
Lemon Pepper Seasoning: Use a mix of lemon zest, cracked black pepper, and a pinch of garlic powder.
Kosher Salt: Use sea salt or Himalayan pink salt.
Olive Oil: Try avocado oil, grapeseed oil, or vegetable oil for a neutral flavor.

How to Make Angel Hair Pasta with Garlic Butter Sauce

Step 1: Cook angel hair pasta in salted water according to the package directions. Drain and save ½ cup of the pasta water for later. While the pasta cooks, heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Step 2: Add garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Pour chicken broth and wine into the skillet. Add cherry tomatoes, kosher salt, crushed red pepper flakes, and black pepper.

Step 4: Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes, reducing the liquid by half. Then, add lemon juice.

Step 5: Carefully add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Stir in the reserved pasta water for a thicker sauce, if desired.

Step 6: Toss everything together so the pasta absorbs the lemon-garlic flavor. Serve immediately with chicken, fish, or enjoy it on its own!

What to Serve

Angel hair pasta goes great with lemon pepper salmon, shrimp, or chicken, as well as roasted veggies like asparagus, zucchini, or bell peppers, some garlic bread or a crusty baguette, and a green salad with lemon vinaigrette.

Recipe Tips

Use room temp butter and good olive oil: They'll melt and blend more evenly for a smooth, flavorful base.
Let the sauce reduce properly: Simmer until it thickens slightly; this concentrates the flavor.
Reserve extra pasta water: You might not need all ½ cup, but a little helps loosen or thicken the sauce to your liking.
Add protein if you want: Grilled shrimp, baked salmon, or a rotisserie chicken turn this into a full meal.
Finish with fresh herbs or cheese: A sprinkle of parsley, basil, or grated Parmesan adds a nice touch before serving.

Commonly Asked Questions

What's a good substitute for wine in scampi?

Swap out white wine in scampi for with an equal amount of chicken broth. This maintains the liquid volume and adds a savory flavor to the sauce.

What sauce goes best with angel hair pasta?

A great sauce to go with angel hair pasta is scampi sauce, which is made with garlic, lemon, and butter. It’s light but full of flavor, and it goes perfectly with the delicate pasta. You can also try marinara, pesto, or creamy Alfredo for a different taste!

What's in scampi sauce?

Scampi sauce is made with garlic, butter, lemon juice, and white wine. It’s also usually flavored with salt, pepper, and sometimes a little red pepper flakes and parsley.