Asparagus Shrimp Angel Hair Pasta Recipe

Introduction

This Asparagus Shrimp Angel Hair Pasta is a light and flavorful dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Tender shrimp and fresh asparagus come together with garlic and lemon for a bright, satisfying meal.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces of angel hair pasta
• 1 pound of large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 bunch of fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
• 3 tablespoons of olive oil
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup of 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. Cook the angel hair pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.
2. Step 2: While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Step 3: Add the shrimp to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
4. Step 4: In the same skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the asparagus pieces and sauté for about 4-5 minutes until tender-crisp. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Step 5: Return the shrimp to the skillet with the asparagus. Add the cooked pasta, lemon juice, and Parmesan cheese. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce as needed.
6. Step 6: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice if desired. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra richness, stir in a tablespoon of butter along with the Parmesan cheese.
• Swap asparagus for other spring vegetables like peas or green beans if you prefer.
• Use fresh lemon zest along with the juice for a stronger citrus flavor.
• To make it gluten-free, substitute angel hair pasta with gluten-free pasta or spiralized zucchini noodles.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep the pasta from drying out.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, frozen shrimp works well. Just be sure to thaw it completely and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture.

What can I substitute if I don’t have angel hair pasta?

You can use other thin pasta types like spaghetti or capellini. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta’s package instructions.

Asparagus Shrimp Angel Hair Pasta Recipe

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4.5 from 106 reviews

This Asparagus Shrimp Angel Hair Pasta is a light and flavorful dish combining tender angel hair pasta with succulent shrimp and crisp asparagus. Tossed in a garlic-infused olive oil sauce with a hint of lemon and a touch of heat from red pepper flakes, it’s perfect for a quick, elegant weeknight dinner or a special occasion meal.

• Author: Isabella
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 8 ounces of angel hair pasta

Shrimp and Vegetables

• 1 pound of large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 bunch of fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces

Sauce and Seasoning

• 3 tablespoons of olive oil
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the angel hair pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually about 3-4 minutes, until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water, and set aside.
2. Cook the asparagus: While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the asparagus pieces, season with salt and pepper, and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they are tender-crisp. Remove the asparagus from the skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté the shrimp: In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then add the shrimp, seasoning with salt and pepper, cooking for 2-3 minutes on each side or until they turn pink and opaque.
4. Combine ingredients: Return the cooked asparagus to the skillet with the shrimp. Add the cooked angel hair pasta and toss to combine. If the mixture seems dry, add some reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach desired consistency.
5. Finish with lemon and cheese: Squeeze the juice of one lemon over the pasta mixture and sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Toss everything together until well combined and heated through.
6. Garnish and serve: Remove from heat and garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.

Notes

• For extra flavor, you can add a splash of white wine when sautéing the shrimp.
• If you prefer a creamier sauce, stir in a tablespoon of heavy cream or a dollop of mascarpone cheese.
• To make this recipe gluten free, substitute angel hair pasta with gluten-free pasta.
• Adjust red pepper flakes based on your spice tolerance, or omit entirely for a milder taste.
• Make sure shrimp are peeled and deveined to ensure a clean taste and texture.

Keywords: asparagus shrimp pasta, angel hair pasta recipe, quick shrimp pasta, garlic shrimp pasta, lemon shrimp pasta, easy weeknight dinner