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Asparagus Shrimp Angel Hair Pasta

Delightful dish where tender shrimp dances with crisp asparagus, all enveloped in delicate strands of angel hair pasta. Quick, elegant, and bursting with fresh flavors.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 425

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 divided
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 lemon juiced
  • Fresh parsley chopped, for garnish

Equipment

  • large pot
  • colander
  • large skillet
  • Wooden spoon or tongs

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add the angel hair pasta and cook for 3-4 minutes until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Season with salt and pepper, then remove from skillet.
  3. In the same skillet, add another tablespoon olive oil if needed. Add asparagus pieces and sauté 3-4 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. Add minced garlic during the last minute of cooking.
  4. Add drained pasta to the skillet along with the cooked shrimp. Pour in 1/2 cup reserved pasta water, lemon juice, and sprinkle Parmesan cheese over everything.
  5. Toss everything together gently with tongs for about 1 minute until a light sauce forms and coats the pasta. Add more pasta water if needed for a glossy consistency.
  6. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if desired. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

For best results, use wild-caught shrimp and fresh asparagus with firm, bright green stalks. Don't skip reserving the pasta water—it's essential for creating a silky sauce. Serve immediately for optimal texture and flavor.
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