Name: Asparagus Shrimp Angel Hair Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 8 ounces angel hair pasta; 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (wild-caught recommended); 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); Cherry tomatoes, halved; Spinach or arugula; Capers; Crushed nuts like pine nuts or walnuts

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Introduction

This Asparagus Shrimp Angel Hair Pasta is a light and flavorful dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Tender shrimp, crisp asparagus, and delicate angel hair pasta come together with a hint of garlic, lemon, and Parmesan to create a meal that’s both elegant and easy to prepare.

A white plate holds a dish with three layers: the bottom layer is light yellow spaghetti with chopped green herbs, forming a nest-like base; on top are several grilled shrimp, pink with charred edges and green herb specks, arranged evenly around the plate’s edge; the top layer features a neat bundle of bright green asparagus spears with slight char marks, placed in the center over the shrimp. The background is a white marbled texture with a stove slightly blurred behind. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

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 a cup of pasta water and then drain the pasta.
Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Season with salt and pepper. Remove shrimp and set aside.
Step 3: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the asparagus pieces and sauté for 3-4 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. Add minced garlic in the last minute of cooking if desired.
Step 4: Return the shrimp to the skillet with the asparagus. Add the cooked pasta, reserved pasta water, lemon juice, and Parmesan cheese. Toss gently to combine and coat the pasta in the sauce. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes as needed.
Step 5: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Tips & Variations

Use wild-caught shrimp for better flavor and texture.
Do not overcook the asparagus; it should remain slightly crisp for the best texture.
Feel free to add cherry tomatoes, spinach, or capers for extra flavor and color.
Reserve pasta water to help create a light sauce that clings to the pasta perfectly.

Storage

Store any 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 olive oil to loosen the sauce if it has thickened. This dish is best enjoyed fresh but can still be tasty the next day.

How to Serve

A white plate holds a serving of light yellow spaghetti strands lightly coated in oil and sprinkled with small green herb pieces. On top of the pasta, there are ten grilled shrimp arranged in a circle near the edge, each shrimp showing a light pink and orange color with slight charring and green herb seasoning. At the center of the plate, a neat bundle of bright green grilled asparagus spears sits horizontally, with a slight glaze and hints of charring on the tips. The plate is set against a white marbled surface with a blurry kitchen stove visible in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Be sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking to ensure they sauté properly without steaming.

What can I substitute for angel hair pasta?

Any thin pasta such as spaghetti or capellini works well as a substitute. Just adjust the cooking time to reach al dente according to the package instructions.