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Flavorful Lemon Asparagus Pasta Recipe with Grilled Shrimp

lemon asparagus pasta - featured image

Tender grilled shrimp served over buttery lemon pasta with crisp-tender asparagus, creating a fresh, zesty, and satisfying dish perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz linguine or spaghetti
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 lemon, zested and juiced (about 4 tbsp juice)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 lb asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1/4 tsp chili flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the linguine or spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
  2. In a bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, chili flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they’re opaque and slightly charred. Set aside.
  3. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the asparagus and a pinch of salt and pepper. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the asparagus is tender but still crisp. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
  4. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Pour in the lemon juice and zest, and stir well. Add the heavy cream and 1/2 cup of reserved pasta water, whisking to combine. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
  5. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper, if needed.
  6. Gently fold in the sautéed asparagus and grilled shrimp. Toss everything together until well combined and heated through.
  7. Plate the pasta, shrimp, and asparagus. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of chopped parsley, if desired.

Notes

[‘Don’t overcook the shrimp to avoid rubbery texture.’, ‘Salt your pasta water generously for better flavor.’, ‘Use fresh lemon juice and zest for vibrant flavor.’, ‘Reserve pasta water to help thicken the sauce.’, ‘Prep ingredients ahead of time for smoother cooking.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon pasta, asparagus pasta, grilled shrimp, easy dinner, quick recipe, seafood pasta, healthy meal, weeknight dinner