This Shrimp and Asparagus Pasta recipe is a light and flavorful dish perfect for spring and summer dinners. Combining succulent shrimp, tender asparagus, and pasta in a lemony, garlicky sauce, it’s a simple yet elegant meal that’s quick to prepare.
Ingredients:
- 12 ounces pasta (fettuccine, spaghetti, or linguine)
- 1 pound asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Directions:
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Blanch the Asparagus: In the same pot of boiling water, blanch the asparagus pieces for 2-3 minutes, until bright green and tender-crisp. Immediately transfer to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Shrimp: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper, then add to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Transfer the shrimp to a plate and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Add the lemon zest and lemon juice, stirring to combine. If using, sprinkle in red pepper flakes to taste.
- Combine Pasta with Vegetables and Shrimp: Return the cooked pasta to the skillet with the lemon-garlic sauce. Add the blanched asparagus and cooked shrimp. Toss everything together, adding a bit of the reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce and coat the pasta evenly.
- Final Touches: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary.
- Serve: Divide the pasta among plates or bowls. Sprinkle with more Parmesan cheese and a bit of fresh parsley or lemon zest for garnish.
Nutrition Facts (per serving):
- Calories: 550
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Protein: 35g
Prep and Cooking Time:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Servings:
- Serves: 4 people
Shrimp and Asparagus Pasta is a delightful dish that’s both easy to make and packed with fresh flavors. Perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion, it’s sure to become a favorite. Enjoy the wonderful combination of tender shrimp, crisp asparagus, and pasta in a light and zesty sauce!
