There’s something truly special about pasta dishes that manage to be luxurious and refreshing at the same time — and this Shrimp and Asparagus Pasta with Lemon Cream is exactly that. Tender shrimp, crisp asparagus, and al dente pasta are tossed together in a luscious lemon-infused cream sauce that’s both light and indulgent.

Whether you’re looking to impress guests, make a romantic dinner, or just treat yourself to something special on a weeknight, this pasta delivers elegance, flavor, and comfort in one beautiful bowl.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it feels like spring in a bowl — fresh, bright, and satisfying. The creamy lemon sauce has just the right balance of richness and acidity, making it luxurious but never heavy.

It’s one of those dishes that looks like you spent hours making it — but in reality, it comes together in less than 30 minutes. That’s the kind of weeknight magic I adore.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• It’s light yet creamy, making it perfect for any season.
• Combines fresh seafood and vegetables in a wholesome, flavorful way.
• Ready in under 30 minutes, but tastes gourmet.
• Ideal for family dinners, date nights, or special occasions.
• Perfectly balanced — zesty, savory, creamy, and satisfying.

This is not just pasta — it’s a feel-good, flavor-packed meal that will make you savor every bite.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Servings and Nutrition

• Servings: 4
• Calories: Approximately 490 kcal per serving

Course and Cuisine

• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

For the Pasta:

• 8 oz (225 g) fettuccine or linguine
• Salt, for pasta water

For the Lemon Cream Sauce:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
• ¾ lb (340 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• ¼ teaspoon red chili flakes (optional, for a slight kick)

For Garnish:

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• Extra lemon wedges and Parmesan, for serving

Cooking Directions

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add fettuccine or linguine and cook until al dente (1–2 minutes less than package instructions).
3. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp and Asparagus

1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter over medium-high heat.
2. Add the shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add the asparagus and sauté for 3–4 minutes, until bright green and tender-crisp. Remove and set aside with the shrimp.

Step 3: Make the Lemon Cream Sauce

1. In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tablespoon butter and garlic. Sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
2. Lower heat to medium and stir in the heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer.
3. Add Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Stir until smooth and creamy.
4. Season with salt, pepper, and red chili flakes (if using).

Step 4: Combine Everything

1. Add the cooked pasta, shrimp, and asparagus back to the skillet.
2. Toss everything together, coating the pasta evenly in the sauce.
3. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

1. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
2. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.
3. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.

How to Serve

Serve this Shrimp and Asparagus Pasta with Lemon Cream hot, in shallow pasta bowls for an elegant presentation. Pair it with:

• A crisp green salad or Caesar salad.
• Garlic bread or toasted baguette slices.
• A glass of chilled white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.

It’s perfect for both casual weeknights and special dinner dates!

Recipe Tips

• Don’t overcook shrimp — they become rubbery quickly. Remove as soon as they turn pink.
• Add lemon juice last to prevent curdling the cream.
• Reserve pasta water — it’s liquid gold for adjusting sauce texture.
• For extra depth, add a splash of dry white wine when sautéing the garlic.
• Use fresh asparagus — frozen ones can make the sauce watery.

Recipe Variations

• Shrimp and Mushroom Pasta: Replace asparagus with sautéed mushrooms for an earthy twist.
• Garlic-Lover’s Version: Double the garlic for a bolder, aromatic flavor.
• Herb-Infused Lemon Pasta: Add fresh basil or thyme to the sauce.
• Extra-Cheesy Version: Mix in ricotta or mascarpone for more creaminess.
• Spring Veggie Pasta: Add peas, zucchini, or spinach along with the asparagus.
• Seafood Mix Pasta: Use a combination of shrimp, scallops, and crab meat for a luxurious touch.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Freezer: Not recommended, as cream sauces can separate when frozen.
• Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of milk or cream to restore smoothness.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Tongs or pasta spoon
• Zester or microplane for lemon zest
• Fine grater for Parmesan

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I use milk instead of cream?
Yes, but the sauce will be thinner. To thicken it, mix 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons milk before adding it to the sauce.

Q2: Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely — just thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.

Q3: What pasta works best?
Fettuccine, linguine, or spaghetti all work well. For something lighter, try angel hair pasta.

Q4: Can I make this dish ahead?
You can cook the shrimp and asparagus ahead of time, but prepare the sauce fresh for the best texture.

Q5: How can I make it lighter?
Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the cheese slightly.

Conclusion

Shrimp and Asparagus Pasta with Lemon Cream is a dish that truly brings together the best of freshness, flavor, and comfort. The tender shrimp, crisp asparagus, and creamy lemon sauce create a harmony of textures and tastes that’s both elegant and satisfying.

It’s quick enough for a weeknight meal but refined enough for guests — a perfect combination of simplicity and sophistication. Once you try it, it’s sure to become one of your favorite pasta dishes.