Asparagus and Shrimp with Angel Hair

Savor the Fresh Flavors of Spring with This Quick Asparagus and Shrimp Dish! Packed with succulent shrimp, crisp asparagus, and delicate angel hair pasta, this dish bursts with vibrant flavors and a hint of citrus that will brighten your dinner table. Every forkful brings together the subtle sweetness of shrimp, the grassy snap of asparagus, and the whisper-thin strands of pasta that soak up just enough olive oil and lemon juice to feel light yet satisfyingly rich. Whether you’re a beginner cook or someone who loves weeknight hacks, this recipe hits the sweet spot: it’s easy to master, takes only about 30 minutes from start to finish, and delivers a gorgeous plate that feels gourmet without the fuss.

I still remember the first time I whipped this up for a springtime lunch with friends. Between chasing down asparagus stalks at the farmers’ market and playfully debating the best wine pairing, we all agreed that this simple combination felt like sunshine on a plate. With less than 500 calories per serving, it’s a healthy option that doesn’t skimp on flavor—perfect for a light lunch, a casual dinner, or even a celebratory brunch. And the best part? It’s totally beginner-friendly. If you can boil pasta and toss ingredients in a skillet, you’ve got this. So let’s dive in and make your kitchen smell like a coastal bistro in minutes!

KEY INGREDIENTS IN ASPARAGUS AND SHRIMP WITH ANGEL HAIR

To make this dish shine, we rely on fresh, simple ingredients that each bring their own unique contribution to the table. From the backbone of delicate pasta to the pop of lemon, every element plays a starring role.

• Angel hair pasta: Ultra-thin strands that cook in a flash and elegantly coat every ingredient. Their delicate texture ensures they don’t overpower the other flavors.
• Olive oil: A fruity, extra-virgin variety adds a silky base for sautéing and infuses the shrimp and asparagus with a gentle richness.
• Large shrimp, peeled and deveined: Tender and sweet, shrimp cook quickly and bring a touch of seafood luxury to this spring-inspired meal.
• Asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces: Crisp and vibrant, asparagus adds a fresh, grassy note and a satisfying bite.
• Garlic, minced: Provides a fragrant kick that lingers in the background, building depth without ever dominating.
• Red pepper flakes (optional): A pinch brings warmth and just enough heat, perfect for those who like a little zing.
• Lemon zest and juice: Brightens the entire dish with sunny citrus notes, balancing the richness of olive oil and Parmesan.
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential seasonings that round out all the flavors and let each ingredient shine.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: Nutty and savory, it melts slightly into the pasta for a subtle creaminess.
• Fresh parsley, chopped: A sprinkle of herbaceous green ties everything together and adds a pop of color.

HOW TO MAKE ASPARAGUS AND SHRIMP WITH ANGEL HAIR

Bringing this dish together is as straightforward as it is rewarding. You’ll build layers of flavor by cooking each ingredient with care, then finishing with a lively citrus touch that keeps the pasta light.

1. Cook the angel hair pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Once tender yet firm to the bite, drain it in a colander and set it aside to prevent overcooking.

2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and sauté for about 2–3 minutes, flipping once, until they turn pink and opaque. Slide them onto a plate and keep them warm.

3. Using the same skillet, add the asparagus pieces and sauté for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re tender-crisp and still vibrantly green.

4. Stir in the garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for an additional 1 minute until the garlic becomes fragrant and golden at the edges.

5. Return the shrimp to the skillet and mix in the lemon zest and juice. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, tasting and adjusting as needed.

6. Add the cooked angel hair pasta back into the skillet. Toss everything together gently, ensuring the pasta soaks up the citrusy pan sauce and the ingredients are evenly distributed.

7. Finish by sprinkling with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. Serve immediately while everything is piping hot and beautifully coated.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR ASPARAGUS AND SHRIMP WITH ANGEL HAIR

When it comes to plating and serving, a few thoughtful touches can elevate this simple recipe into a memorable meal for family and friends. Whether you’re aiming for an elegant dinner or a relaxed gathering, presentation and pairing make all the difference. Here are some ideas to help you turn this vibrant pasta into a standout dish.

• Serve with a lemon wedge on the side so guests can add an extra spritz of citrus brightness. This little flourish lets each diner customize the tanginess to their liking.
• Pair with a crisp white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, to complement the seafood flavors and accentuate the fresh asparagus notes. Chill the bottle for at least an hour to reach the perfect serving temperature.
• Garnish with extra Parmesan and parsley right before serving. A final dusting of cheese adds a creamy, savory layer, while scattered fresh herbs bring a burst of green color and aroma.
• Present family-style by transferring the skillet directly to the table. Arrange crusty bread alongside to soak up any leftover lemony sauce, and let everyone dig in for a warm, communal dining experience.

HOW TO STORE ASPARAGUS AND SHRIMP WITH ANGEL HAIR

Making a big batch of this refreshing pasta is great for weeknight meal prep or a make-ahead lunch. Proper storage ensures the flavors stay bright and the textures remain enjoyable. Here are some tips to keep your shrimp and asparagus pasta tasting as fresh as when it first came off the stove.

• Refrigerate in an airtight container: Allow the pasta to cool slightly, then transfer it to a well-sealed container. Store in the fridge for up to 2 days. Before serving, gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil to revive the sauce.
• Freeze for longer storage: If you’d like to keep leftovers for up to a month, place cooled portions in freezer-safe bags, pressing out excess air. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on low, stirring occasionally to restore the pasta’s texture.
• Store components separately: To maintain the asparagus’s crispness, you can refrigerate shrimp and pasta in one container and asparagus with garlic in another. Combine and reheat just before serving to preserve the vegetables’ snap.
• Revive with fresh garnish: No matter how you store it, adding a sprinkle of fresh parsley, lemon zest, or a drizzle of olive oil just before plating can breathe new life into leftovers and keep them tasting vibrant.

CONCLUSION

This Asparagus and Shrimp with Angel Hair recipe has everything busy home cooks crave: a speedy 15-minute prep, 15-minute cook time, and a beautiful plate that looks like it came from a fancy restaurant. We’ve walked through each step, from gathering your key ingredients—vibrant asparagus, sweet shrimp, delicate angel hair pasta—to the final flourish of Parmesan and parsley. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy dinner for two or prepping lunch to enjoy all week, this recipe delivers on flavor, simplicity, and health. With just about 500 calories per serving and a beginner-friendly difficulty level, it’s a perfect choice for lunch or dinner any day of the week.

Feel free to print this article and tuck it into your recipe binder, or save it on your device for quick reference. You’ll also find a FAQ section below to answer all those little questions that pop up as you cook. I’d love to hear how it goes in your kitchen—please leave a comment if you try this dish, share any tweaks you made, or ask for tips if you need help along the way. Happy cooking!

Print Recipe

Asparagus and Shrimp with Angel Hair

Author: Annie Delgado Courses: Dinner

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 15 mins Total Time 30 mins

Calories: 500

Description

Packed with succulent shrimp, crisp asparagus, and delicate angel hair pasta, this dish bursts with vibrant flavors and a hint of citrus that will brighten your dinner table.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 8 ounces angel hair pasta

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

• Zest and juice of 1 lemon

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

• ¹⁄₄ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

1. Cook the angel hair pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the shrimp and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add asparagus pieces and sauté for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp.
4. Add garlic and red pepper flakes to the asparagus, and sauté for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Return the shrimp to the skillet and stir in the lemon zest and juice, salt, and pepper.
6. Add the cooked angel hair pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until combined and heated through.
7. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and parsley before serving.

Note

• Asparagus can be replaced with broccoli or your choice of green vegetables.
• For an extra kick, add more red pepper flakes according to taste.
• This dish pairs well with a glass of white wine for an elegant meal.
• Adjust the quantity of lemon juice to your taste preference; some may prefer a more citrusy flavor.

Keywords: asparagus, shrimp, angel hair, pasta recipe, quick dinner, healthy meal