Asparagus Shrimp Angel Hair Pasta Recipe
This Asparagus Shrimp Angel Hair Pasta is a light, flavorful dish combining tender angel hair pasta with succulent shrimp, crisp asparagus, and a zesty lemon-Parmesan sauce. Perfect for a quick yet elegant dinner, it offers a harmonious blend of textures and fresh ingredients that come together in under 35 minutes.
- 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 such as pine nuts or walnuts
Instructions
- Cook the Angel Hair Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the angel hair pasta and cook for 3-4 minutes until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Reserve a cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
- Sauté the Shrimp: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in a single layer and season with salt and pepper. Cook 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp turn pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from skillet.
- Prepare the Asparagus: In the same skillet, add remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add asparagus pieces and sauté for 3-4 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. Optionally, add minced garlic in the last minute and a splash of lemon juice.
- Combine Ingredients: Return shrimp to skillet with asparagus. Add cooked pasta, reserved pasta water, lemon juice, and Parmesan cheese. Toss gently with tongs to combine and coat pasta evenly. Adjust salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Salt pasta water generously to enhance pasta flavor.
- Do not overcrowd the skillet when cooking shrimp to ensure even cooking.
- Do not overcook shrimp or pasta; shrimp should be pink and opaque, pasta al dente.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency and enhance flavor.
- Let the combined dish rest for a minute to meld flavors before serving.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and gently reheat with a splash of water or broth.
Keywords: Asparagus Shrimp Pasta, Angel Hair Pasta Recipe, Quick Dinner, Seafood Pasta, Lemon Parmesan Pasta, Healthy Pasta Recipe, Easy Pasta Dish
