Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta with Asparagus
This delightful dish brings together the fresh flavors of spring in a light yet satisfying way. Plump shrimp are quickly sautéed with garlic and red pepper flakes, then tossed with al dente pasta, blanched asparagus, and a zesty sauce made from lemon juice, butter, and a hint of pasta water. It's a quick recipe that delivers impressive flavor, ideal for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering.
Equipment
Ingredients
Instructions
- 1Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the linguine according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- 2While the pasta cooks, blanch the asparagus: add the asparagus pieces to the boiling pasta water for 2-3 minutes until bright green and crisp-tender. Remove with a slotted spoon and immediately plunge into an ice bath to stop cooking, then drain.
- 3In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
- 4Reduce heat to medium, add butter to the skillet. Once melted, add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring to a simmer.
- 5Add the cooked pasta, cooked shrimp, and blanched asparagus to the skillet. Toss to combine. If the sauce seems too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water, 1-2 tablespoons at a time, until desired consistency is reached. Stir in fresh parsley and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- 6Serve immediately, garnished with extra fresh parsley if desired.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking to prevent excess water from diluting the sauce and to ensure a good sear.
What other vegetables can I add?
Cherry tomatoes, spinach, or snap peas would also work well in this dish. Add spinach at the very end to wilt, and cherry tomatoes can be added with the garlic to lightly soften.
How do I prevent the shrimp from becoming rubbery?
The key is not to overcook the shrimp. They cook very quickly, typically 2-3 minutes per side, until they turn pink and opaque. Remove them from the pan as soon as they are cooked through.
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RECIPE BY
Leckere Rezepte
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