Can we replace ASP.NET MVC with ASP.NET Web API

I am new to the ASP.NET Web API and while learning, a question comes in mind that can i replace ASP.NET MVC with ASP.NET WEB API .For instance let's say I am creating small application by using below technologies.

UI Will be in : ASP.NET/HTML Controls, JavaScript,CSS. Server side code : ASP.NET MVC. Back End : SQL Server.

Now Can i use WEB API instead of ASP.NET MVC and my new stack will be like

UI : HTML , JavaScript,CSS. Server side code: ASP.NET WEB API. Back End : SQL Server.