Seafood Pasta

Shrimp And Asparagus Pasta

Name: Shrimp And Asparagus Pasta
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice; 1/4 cup white wine; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 8 ounces pasta of your choice; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

By Gabriel Mowbray · June 19, 2026 · Seafood Pasta

Prep15 min

Cook12 min

Total27 min

Serves4

I still remember the first time I made Shrimp And Asparagus Pasta for my family. It was a weeknight, and I wanted to create something quick, yet impressive. The combination of succulent shrimp, tender asparagus, and al dente pasta, all tied together with a light and creamy sauce, was an instant hit.

As a home cook and former fishmonger's daughter, I've always been passionate about demystifying seafood for nervous cooks. I believe that seafood can be just as easy to cook as any other protein, and this recipe is a perfect example of that.

In this recipe, we'll explore the technique of cooking shrimp to perfection, along with the importance of using fresh and seasonal ingredients. We'll also discuss the benefits of using a light and flavorful sauce to bring all the components together.

This recipe is perfect for anyone looking to add some excitement to their weeknight dinner routine. It's easy to make, requires minimal ingredients, and can be ready in under 30 minutes. Whether you're a seafood lover or just looking to try something new, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.

So, let's dive in and explore the world of Shrimp And Asparagus Pasta. With its simple yet elegant flavors, this dish is sure to impress even the most discerning palates.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients.
It's perfect for a weeknight dinner, as it can be ready in under 30 minutes.
The dish is light and flavorful, making it a great option for those looking for a healthy and delicious meal.
The combination of shrimp and asparagus is a classic and elegant flavor combination.
The recipe is highly customizable, allowing you to add your own favorite ingredients and flavors.
It's a great way to impress your family and friends with a delicious and impressive dinner.
The dish is perfect for seafood lovers, as it showcases the natural flavors of the shrimp and asparagus.

Why This Recipe Works

The key to this recipe lies in its simplicity. By using a light and flavorful sauce, we allow the natural flavors of the shrimp and asparagus to shine through. The sauce is made with a combination of garlic, lemon juice, and butter, which adds a rich and creamy texture to the dish.

The cooking technique is also important. We'll be using a combination of sautéing and simmering to cook the shrimp and asparagus to perfection. This method allows us to preserve the delicate flavors and textures of the ingredients, while also adding a nice caramelized crust to the shrimp.

Finally, the use of fresh and seasonal ingredients is crucial to the success of this recipe. By using the freshest asparagus and shrimp available, we ensure that the dish is not only delicious but also visually appealing.

Overall, this recipe works because it's a perfect balance of flavors, textures, and techniques. It's a dish that's both easy to make and impressive to serve, making it perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

When it comes to making Shrimp And Asparagus Pasta, the ingredients are just as important as the technique. We'll be using a combination of fresh and seasonal ingredients, including shrimp, asparagus, garlic, lemon juice, and butter. The key is to use the freshest ingredients available, as this will ensure that the dish is not only delicious but also visually appealing.

When shopping for the ingredients, be sure to look for fresh and sustainably sourced options. The shrimp should be firm and have a sweet smell, while the asparagus should be tender and have a vibrant green color.

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveinedLook for fresh and sustainably sourced shrimp. The shrimp should be firm and have a sweet smell.
1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmedChoose asparagus that is tender and has a vibrant green color. Avoid asparagus that is wilted or has brown tips.
3 cloves garlic, mincedUse fresh garlic for the best flavor. You can also use garlic powder or garlic salt as a substitute if you prefer.
2 tablespoons unsalted butterUse high-quality butter for the best flavor. You can also use olive oil or other neutral-tasting oils as a substitute if you prefer.
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juiceUse fresh lemons for the best flavor. You can also use bottled lemon juice as a substitute if you prefer.
1/4 cup white wineUse a dry white wine for the best flavor. You can also use chicken or vegetable broth as a substitute if you prefer.
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheeseUse high-quality Parmesan cheese for the best flavor. You can also use other hard cheeses like Pecorino or Romano as a substitute if you prefer.
1/2 teaspoon saltUse kosher salt or sea salt for the best flavor. You can also use table salt as a substitute if you prefer.
1/4 teaspoon black pepperUse freshly ground black pepper for the best flavor. You can also use pre-ground black pepper as a substitute if you prefer.
8 ounces pasta of your choiceChoose a pasta that pairs well with the flavors of the dish. Some good options include linguine, fettuccine, or spaghetti.
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsleyUse fresh parsley for the best flavor. You can also use dried parsley as a substitute if you prefer.

Ingredients for Shrimp And Asparagus Pasta

Equipment You’ll Need

Large skillet or sauté panInstant-read thermometerColander or strainerCutting boardChef's knifeMeasuring cups and spoonsWooden spoon or spatula

How to Make Shrimp And Asparagus Pasta

1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it's al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining the spaghetti.
2
In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
3
Add the asparagus to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, until tender. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4
Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until they reach an internal temperature of 145 F (63 C). Use an instant-read thermometer to check the temperature.
5
Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside. Reduce the heat to medium and add the white wine to the skillet. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
6
Add the lemon juice and remaining 1 tablespoon of butter to the skillet. Stir until the butter is melted and the sauce is smooth.
7
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to combine with the sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water.
8
Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss to combine with the pasta and sauce.
9
Season the dish with salt and pepper to taste, then sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and parsley.
10
Serve the Shrimp And Asparagus Pasta hot, garnished with additional parsley if desired.
11
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving, to allow the flavors to meld together.

Expert Tips

Use fresh and sustainably sourced ingredients for the best flavor and texture.
Don't overcook the shrimp or asparagus, as this can make them tough and rubbery.
Use a high-quality pasta that pairs well with the flavors of the dish.
Don't be afraid to experiment with different flavors and ingredients to make the dish your own.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving, to allow the flavors to meld together.
Use a thermometer to ensure the shrimp are cooked to a safe internal temperature.
Add the pasta water to the sauce if it seems too thick, to achieve the right consistency.
Serve the dish hot, garnished with additional parsley if desired.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the shrimp or asparagus, which can make them tough and rubbery.
Not using fresh and sustainably sourced ingredients, which can affect the flavor and texture of the dish.
Not reserving enough pasta water, which can make the sauce too thick.
Not letting the dish rest for a few minutes before serving, which can affect the flavor and texture of the dish.
Not using a thermometer to ensure the shrimp are cooked to a safe internal temperature.
Not seasoning the dish with salt and pepper to taste, which can affect the flavor of the dish.

Variations and Substitutions

Add some diced bell peppers or onions to the skillet with the garlic for added flavor.
Use different types of pasta, such as linguine or fettuccine, for a change of pace.
Add some chopped fresh herbs, such as basil or thyme, to the sauce for added flavor.
Use different types of cheese, such as Pecorino or Romano, for a change of pace.
Add some cooked chicken or sausage to the dish for added protein.
Use a different type of citrus, such as lime or orange, for a change of pace.
Add some diced tomatoes to the sauce for added flavor and moisture.

What to Serve With Shrimp And Asparagus Pasta

This dish is perfect for serving as a main course, accompanied by a side salad or garlic bread. You can also serve it as a side dish, paired with a grilled protein or roasted vegetables.

Some other ideas for serving Shrimp And Asparagus Pasta include:

Serving it with a side of steamed vegetables, such as broccoli or green beans.

Pairing it with a simple green salad, tossed with a light vinaigrette.

Serving it with a side of garlic bread, toasted with butter and parsley.

Pairing it with a grilled protein, such as chicken or steak, for a hearty and satisfying meal.

Serve with a side saladPair with a grilled proteinServe with garlic breadServe with a side of steamed vegetables

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

This dish can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or frozen for up to 2 months. To store, let the dish cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container.

To reheat, simply microwave the dish until it's hot and steaming, or reheat it in a skillet on the stovetop. You can also add some extra pasta water to the sauce if it seems too thick.

Some tips for storing and reheating Shrimp And Asparagus Pasta include:

Letting the dish cool to room temperature before storing, to prevent the growth of bacteria.

Using an airtight container to store the dish, to prevent the sauce from drying out.

Reheating the dish until it's hot and steaming, to ensure food safety.

Adding some extra pasta water to the sauce if it seems too thick, to achieve the right consistency.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of pasta is best for this recipe?

A long, thin pasta such as spaghetti or linguine works well with the light and flavorful sauce.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, frozen shrimp can be used in this recipe. Just be sure to thaw them first and pat them dry with paper towels before cooking.

How do I know if the shrimp are cooked?

The shrimp are cooked when they reach an internal temperature of 145 F (63 C). You can use an instant-read thermometer to check the temperature.

Can I add other ingredients to the dish?

Yes, you can add other ingredients to the dish to suit your taste. Some ideas include diced bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms.

How do I store the dish?

The dish can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or frozen for up to 2 months. Let the dish cool to room temperature before storing, then transfer it to an airtight container.

Can I reheat the dish?

Yes, the dish can be reheated in the microwave or on the stovetop. Just be sure to reheat it until it's hot and steaming, and add some extra pasta water to the sauce if it seems too thick.

Is this dish healthy?

Yes, this dish is relatively healthy, as it's made with fresh and sustainable ingredients and is low in fat and calories.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Just cook the pasta and sauce, then store them separately in the refrigerator until you're ready to serve. Reheat the sauce and combine it with the pasta and shrimp just before serving.

The Full Recipe

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