Asparagus Shrimp Angel Hair Pasta Recipe

Introduction

Asparagus Shrimp Angel Hair Pasta is a light and flavorful dish that combines tender shrimp, crisp asparagus, and delicate angel hair pasta. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe highlights fresh ingredients and simple cooking techniques to deliver a delicious meal.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces angel hair pasta
• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 bunch fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the angel hair pasta and cook for 3-4 minutes until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. Step 2: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Season with salt and pepper. Remove shrimp and set aside.
3. Step 3: Add remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Toss in asparagus and sauté for 3-4 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. Add minced garlic during the last minute of cooking.
4. Step 4: Return shrimp to the skillet with asparagus. Add drained pasta, reserved pasta water, lemon juice, and Parmesan cheese. Toss gently to combine and coat pasta with the sauce.
5. Step 5: Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• Use wild-caught shrimp for a sweeter flavor and firmer texture.
• Don’t overcook shrimp or asparagus to keep them tender and flavorful.
• Substitute angel hair pasta with spaghetti or fettuccine if needed, adjusting cooking time accordingly.
• For a richer taste, replace olive oil with butter and add extra garlic.
• Add cherry tomatoes, spinach, capers, or crushed nuts to customize and enhance the dish.
• Try a spicy Cajun twist by adding Cajun seasoning to the shrimp.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to restore the sauce and keep the pasta from drying out. It’s best enjoyed fresh but reheating works well for meal prep.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen shrimp works well. Make sure to thaw completely before cooking by refrigerating overnight or rinsing under cold water. Proper thawing ensures even cooking and good texture.

What if I don’t have angel hair pasta?

You can substitute spaghetti or fettuccine pasta. Keep an eye on the cooking time, as thicker pastas may require a few extra minutes to reach the right texture.

Asparagus Shrimp Angel Hair Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 150 reviews

A vibrant and flavorful dish combining tender angel hair pasta with sautéed shrimp and crisp asparagus, finished with garlic, lemon, and Parmesan cheese. This quick and versatile meal is perfect for weeknight dinners and can be customized with various vegetables or seasonings.

• Author: lea
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 8 ounces angel hair pasta
• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 bunch fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Optional Add-ons

• Cherry tomatoes, halved
• Spinach or arugula
• Capers
• Crushed nuts like pine nuts or walnuts

Instructions

1. Cook the Angel Hair Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add angel hair pasta and cook for 3-4 minutes until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Reserve one cup of pasta water before draining the pasta.
2. Sauté the Shrimp: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Season with salt and pepper. Remove shrimp from skillet to avoid overcooking.
3. Prepare the Asparagus: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil if needed. Add asparagus pieces and sauté for 3-4 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. Optionally add minced garlic in the last minute for aroma and a splash of lemon juice for sweetness.
4. Combine Ingredients: Add drained pasta back to the skillet with shrimp and asparagus. Pour in reserved pasta water and lemon juice, then sprinkle Parmesan cheese. Toss gently with tongs until everything is well combined and coated with a light sauce. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes as desired.
5. Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, let the dish rest for a minute to meld flavors, then garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.

Notes

• Timing is essential as angel hair pasta cooks quickly; have ingredients prepped beforehand.
• Avoid overcooking shrimp to keep it tender and pasta to prevent mushiness.
• Reserve pasta water to create a silky sauce that clings well to pasta.
• Adjust seasoning throughout cooking to balance flavors perfectly.
• Leftovers store well in an airtight container; reheat gently with a splash of water or broth.

Keywords: Asparagus Shrimp Angel Hair Pasta, easy pasta recipe, quick shrimp pasta, garlic shrimp pasta, lemon shrimp pasta, weeknight dinner, healthy pasta dish, sautéed shrimp, asparagus pasta