Pasta & Pizza

Easy Shrimp Pasta with Angel Hair and Sweet Onions

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

  • Quick & Simple: This easy shrimp pasta comes together in about 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
  • Flavorful Foundation: The combination of smoky shrimp and sweet caramelized onions creates a deliciously balanced dish that feels special without being complicated.
  • Weeknight Hero: This recipe is a prime example of a quick dinner solution that doesn’t sacrifice taste, proving that impressive meals can be both fast and easy to prepare.
  • Versatile & Adaptable: Feel free to customize with different herbs, add a splash of cream, or swap in your favorite pasta shape.

Why This Shrimp Pasta is Your New Go-To Dinner

We all need that one reliable recipe that promises a delicious, satisfying meal with minimal effort. That’s exactly what this easy shrimp pasta offers. It transforms a handful of simple ingredients—shrimp, sweet onions, angel hair pasta, and a few pantry staples—into a meal that tastes like you spent much longer in the kitchen. Whether you’re cooking after a long workday or need to get dinner on the table for family, this easy shrimp pasta is designed to deliver maximum flavor with minimum fuss, making it a true weeknight hero in your cooking rotation.

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The Magic of Simple Weeknight Cooking

As a home cook who values both time and taste, I find true joy in recipes that bridge that gap. Over at Patricia Universe, my mission is to share dishes that bring comfort and flavor without complexity. This recipe is a perfect example. It’s built on the principle that a quick dinner shouldn’t mean bland food. By focusing on quality ingredients and straightforward techniques, you can create something genuinely special any night of the week. This is more than just a meal; it’s a simple, stress-free strategy for delicious eating.

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From Pantry to Plate in Under 30 Minutes

What truly sets this recipe apart is its efficiency. It’s engineered for speed without cutting corners on flavor. The process is a beautiful dance of multitasking: the pasta boils while the onions slowly caramelize to sweetness, and the shrimp cooks in just minutes. This synchronized approach is the secret to any successful pasta dinner on a tight schedule. It’s the kind of weeknight meal that makes you feel accomplished, not rushed, proving that a fantastic dinner is always within reach.

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Why Angel Hair Makes the Perfect Easy Pasta

The choice of angel hair pasta is intentional. Its delicate, thin strands cook in mere minutes, perfectly aligning with the quick dinner theme. More importantly, it acts like a flavor magnet, beautifully coating itself with the smoky pan juices and sweet onion essence. For anyone seeking a delicious shrimp recipe that’s both elegant and effortless, this combination is hard to beat. It’s a reminder that sometimes the simplest choices lead to the most delightful results.

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Creating Flavor with Simple Ingredients

The flavor profile here is all about balance. Sweet onions, cooked low and slow until golden, provide a rich, mellow base. Against this, the shrimp is seasoned with smoky paprika, creating a beautiful contrast. A final squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a handful of chopped parsley brighten the entire dish. This isn’t about a long list of exotic ingredients; it’s about using a few good ones wisely to build layers of taste. It’s the cornerstone of a truly satisfying weeknight meal.

The Art of the Quick Dinner

Mastering the quick dinner is a skill that pays off every single day. It’s about knowing which steps can happen simultaneously, which ingredients deliver the biggest flavor payoff, and having a repertoire of reliable recipes like this one. This easy shrimp pasta is a masterclass in that art. It demonstrates that with a little planning and the right recipe, you can consistently serve meals that are fast, flavorful, and far from ordinary. It’s the kind of dish that makes busy weeknights feel a little less hectic and a lot more delicious.

A Perfect Easy Shrimp Pasta Recipe for Every Occasion

While it shines as a weeknight meal, this dish’s versatility is its strength. It’s impressive enough for a casual dinner with friends, yet simple enough for a quiet meal at home. It’s a reminder that great food doesn’t have to be complicated. I hope this recipe from Patricia Universe becomes a cherished part of your culinary toolkit, a go-to solution for those nights when you want something truly wonderful without the wait.

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Easy Shrimp Pasta with Angel Hair and Sweet Onions

A quick and flavorful shrimp pasta dish with smoky shrimp, sweet caramelized onions, and delicate angel hair pasta. Ready in 30 minutes!
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Cuisine: American
Keywords: angel hair pasta, easy shrimp pasta, pasta dinner, quick dinner, shrimp recipe, weeknight meal
Servings: 4 servings
Author: Patricia

Ingredients

For the Pasta

  • 12 oz angel hair pasta
  • Salt (for pasta water)

For the Shrimp and Onions

  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 large sweet onions, thinly sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

For Finishing

  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/2 lemon, juiced
  • Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)

Instructions

Cook the Pasta

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the angel hair pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.

Caramelize the Onions

  1. While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 10-15 minutes until soft and golden brown. If they start to stick, add a splash of water. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.

Cook the Shrimp

  1. In the same skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer. Season with smoked paprika, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Add the minced garlic during the last 30 seconds of cooking.

Combine and Serve

  1. Reduce heat to medium-low. Add the cooked pasta, caramelized onions, and reserved pasta water (start with 1/2 cup) to the skillet with the shrimp. Toss everything together until well coated and heated through. If needed, add more pasta water to reach your desired sauce consistency.
  2. Remove from heat. Stir in the fresh parsley and lemon juice. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  3. Serve immediately, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

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