Lemon Garlic Shrimp & Asparagus Pasta
Light, zesty, and bursting with fresh flavors this Lemon Garlic Shrimp & Asparagus Pasta is a quick and elegant meal perfect for any night of the week! Juicy shrimp, tender asparagus, and perfectly cooked pasta are tossed in a bright lemon garlic sauce that’s both refreshing and satisfying.
Ingredients
- For the Pasta
- 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine
- Salted water, for boiling
- For the Shrimp u0026 Asparagus
- 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- For Finishing
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter (optional, for richness)
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Season shrimp with salt and pepper and cook 2–3 minutes per side until pink; remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté garlic and red pepper flakes until fragrant.
- Add asparagus and cook until tender-crisp.
- Return shrimp to the skillet; add lemon zest and juice.
- Toss in cooked pasta, butter (if using), Parmesan, and reserved pasta water as needed.