Asparagus Shrimp Angel Hair Pasta Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
