Luscious, tender shrimp meets bright, crisp asparagus in a whirlwind of flavors that dance across delicate strands of angel hair pasta. This dish brings the very essence of spring into your kitchen, wrapping each bite in a light, zesty lemon-garlic sauce that feels like sunshine on your plate. As you twirl the ultra-thin pasta, it effortlessly collects flecks of vibrant green asparagus, succulent shrimp, and a whisper of red pepper flakes, delivering a delightful contrast of textures and temperatures. What makes this recipe truly special is its simplicity—minimal ingredients creating maximum impact—perfect for any home cook looking to impress without spending hours at the stove.
Every forkful sings with fresh parsley and a shower of Parmesan, while a hint of white wine and chicken broth deepens the flavor profile, balancing the acidity of the lemon juice and zest. Whether you’re planning an intimate date night, a casual family dinner, or a cheerful gathering with friends, this Asparagus & Shrimp with Angel Hair pasta feels elevated yet approachable. The combination of a 15-minute prep time and a quick 20-minute cook transforms weeknight meal prep into a breeze. Best of all, at around 450 calories per serving, it satisfies those looking to enjoy something both light and nourishing.
I still remember the first time I whipped up this recipe on a breezy spring evening. I had just come home from a hectic day, craving something effortless yet elegant. As the water came to a boil, I nestled the angel hair pasta in its steamy bath, and the kitchen filled with that warm, comforting aroma of garlic sizzling in olive oil. My partner watched as I blanched the asparagus until its color popped, and we raised a glass of crisp Sauvignon Blanc in celebration of simple joys. From that night on, this dish became our go-to for any occasion that called for good food and great company.
Whether you’re a seasoned pasta pro or experimenting with seafood for the first time, this recipe gives you plenty of room for creativity. Adjust the red pepper flakes for a playful kick, swap in extra chicken broth for a no-alcohol version, or fiddle with garnishes to make it your own. The vibrant hues of green asparagus against pink shrimp and golden lemon bits make it almost too pretty to eat—almost! With an enthusiastic spirit and a well-stocked pantry, you’ll have this meal on the table in under 40 minutes, ready to delight every palate at your table.
KEY INGREDIENTS IN ASPARAGUS & SHRIMP WITH ANGEL HAIR
To bring this vibrant dish to life, you’ll want to focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients that shine on their own and harmonize beautifully together. Each component plays a crucial role, from the tender seafood to the aromatic accents that lift the entire recipe.
- Angel hair pasta
These ultra-thin strands cook in just minutes and provide a delicate base that soaks up sauces without weighing you down. Angel hair’s fine texture ensures every forkful is light and elegant.
- Fresh asparagus
When trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces, asparagus adds a pop of color and a crisp bite. Blanching it briefly preserves its bright green hue and fresh, grassy flavor.
- Olive oil
A good-quality extra-virgin olive oil creates the foundation for sautéing. It lends a fruity, peppery note that complements both garlic and seafood.
- Large shrimp
Peeled, deveined, and ready to cook, shrimp brings a tender, slightly sweet protein to the plate. It pairs perfectly with citrus and garlic, absorbing the sauce’s nuances.
- Garlic
Minced garlic infuses the olive oil with pungent, savory flavor. It’s the aromatic backbone of this recipe, lending depth and warmth.
- Chicken broth
This savory liquid adds body to the sauce and deepens its flavor. It creates a gentle background for the wine and lemon to shine.
- Dry white wine
A splash of white wine introduces bright acidity and complexity. As it reduces, it concentrates the flavors and balances the richness of olive oil.
- Lemon zest & juice
Fresh lemon brings a zesty lift and a bright pop of citrus. The zest oils add aromatic intensity, while the juice brightens every component.
- Red pepper flakes
Just a pinch provides a warming heat that teases the palate without overpowering the other flavors.
- Salt & freshly ground black pepper
Essential seasonings that elevate and harmonize all the ingredients. Freshly ground pepper adds a subtle kick.
- Grated Parmesan cheese
A final dusting of umami-rich cheese adds creaminess and a salty finish that rounds out the sauce.
- Fresh parsley
Chopped parsley offers a burst of herbal freshness and a vibrant garnish to complete the dish.
HOW TO MAKE ASPARAGUS & SHRIMP WITH ANGEL HAIR
Bringing all these wonderful ingredients together is both straightforward and rewarding. Follow each carefully crafted step to ensure perfect timing and flavor balance throughout the process.
1. Cook the angel hair pasta according to package instructions until al dente, about 3–4 minutes. Drain thoroughly and set aside, keeping it warm so it doesn’t stick together.
2. In a large pot of boiling water, blanch the asparagus for about 2 minutes. You want the stalks to be bright green and still slightly crisp. Drain and transfer to a bowl of cold water to stop the cooking, then drain again and set aside.
3. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2–3 minutes on each side, or until they turn just pink and curl slightly. Remove the shrimp to a plate and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant but not browned.
5. Pour in the chicken broth and white wine, then add the lemon zest, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to simmer. Let it cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the liquid has reduced slightly and the flavors have melded.
6. Return the shrimp and blanched asparagus to the skillet. Toss gently to coat in the sauce and heat through, about 2 minutes.
7. Add the cooked angel hair pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until well coated. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your taste preference.
8. Divide the pasta among serving plates and garnish each portion with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR ASPARAGUS & SHRIMP WITH ANGEL HAIR
When it comes to serving this vibrant pasta, presentation and complementary flavors can elevate the experience. Whether you’re hosting a casual family dinner or entertaining friends, these ideas will transform each plate into a feast for both the eyes and the palate.
- Serve this dish on warmed plates to help maintain its ideal temperature from first bite to last. A quick 30-second zap in the microwave or a brief stint in a warm oven can make all the difference.
- Pair with a crisp green side salad, dressed lightly in lemon vinaigrette. The refreshing crunch and tangy dressing echo the citrus-forward flavors in the pasta, creating a perfectly balanced meal.
- Offer a basket of crusty artisan bread so guests can mop up every drop of the zesty sauce. A good baguette or ciabatta brushed with olive oil and toasted provides delightful texture.
- Complement the meal with a glass of dry white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. The wine’s acidity will enhance the lemon and garlic notes while cutting through the richness of the olive oil and Parmesan.
HOW TO STORE ASPARAGUS & SHRIMP WITH ANGEL HAIR
Proper storage ensures that your leftovers maintain the same brightness and texture you enjoyed the first time around. With seafood and delicate pasta, a little care goes a long way to preserve flavor and consistency.
- Refrigerate promptly: Once the pasta has cooled to room temperature (ideally within one hour), transfer it to an airtight container. Store in the coldest part of your fridge and consume within 2 days to ensure shrimp stays tender and asparagus stays crisp.
- Separate components: If you anticipate storing multiple portions, consider dividing pasta, shrimp, and asparagus into separate containers. This prevents the shrimp from over-cooking in residual heat and keeps the asparagus from turning limp.
- Freezing note: While not ideal for maintaining perfect texture, you can freeze leftovers in a tightly sealed, freezer-safe container for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently to avoid overcooking the shrimp.
- Gentle reheating: To reheat, warm the pasta on low heat in a skillet with a splash of chicken broth or olive oil. Stir frequently just until everything is heated through. Avoid the microwave when possible, as it can make shrimp rubbery and pasta soggy.
CONCLUSION
This Asparagus & Shrimp with Angel Hair pasta recipe captures the very essence of springtime dining: fresh, bright, and effortlessly elegant. From the first fragrant sizzle of garlic in olive oil to those final sprinkles of Parmesan and parsley, every moment in your kitchen will feel like a small celebration. With a quick 15-minute prep and a 20-minute cook, you’ll have a restaurant-quality meal on the table in under 45 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or leisurely weekend lunches. By highlighting simple, seasonal ingredients—crisp asparagus, succulent shrimp, and zesty lemon—you’ll create a dish that not only tastes amazing but also looks like it was crafted by a pro.
Feel free to print this article and save it for later, whether you’re meal-planning for the week or bookmarking it for an upcoming dinner party. You’ll find below a handy FAQ section to address any questions you might have, from ingredient swaps to serving tips. And when you give this recipe a try, I’d love to hear how it turned out: leave a comment, share your tweaks, or ask anything if you need a hand perfecting the dish. Cooking is all about sharing experiences, and your feedback helps our community of home cooks grow and get inspired together. Enjoy every forkful of springtime perfection!
Asparagus & Shrimp with Angel Hair
Description
Experience a delightful dish where tender shrimp meets crisp asparagus, all tossed in a zesty lemon garlic sauce over angel hair pasta. Perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients
Instructions
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Cook the angel hair pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
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In a large pot of boiling water, blanch the asparagus for about 2 minutes until bright green and just tender. Drain and set aside.
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In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until just pink and cooked through. Transfer the shrimp to a plate and set aside.
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In the same skillet, add garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
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Stir in chicken broth, white wine, lemon zest, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing the liquid to reduce slightly.
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Return the shrimp and blanched asparagus to the skillet. Toss to combine and heat through, about 2 minutes.
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Add the cooked angel hair pasta to the skillet with shrimp and asparagus. Toss everything together until well coated in the sauce. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
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Divide the pasta among serving plates. Garnish with Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley.
Note
- Angel hair pasta cooks quickly, so keep an eye on it to prevent overcooking.
- Blanching the asparagus enhances its color and flavor while maintaining a slight crunch.
- For a non-alcoholic option, substitute the wine with additional chicken broth.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your desired level of spiciness.
- This dish is perfect when served immediately while the pasta is hot and fresh.
