Asparagus Shrimp Angel Hair Pasta Recipe
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.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
