Description
Experience the vibrant flavors of Shrimp Scampi Pasta with Asparagus, a gourmet dish that comes together effortlessly. Perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests, this meal combines succulent shrimp, crisp-tender asparagus, and a zesty garlic-lemon sauce.
Ingredients
- Large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Linguine pasta (or spaghetti, fettuccine, penne, or rigatoni)
- Fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- Garlic, finely minced (6-8 cloves)
- Unsalted butter
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Fresh lemon juice and zest
- Non-alcoholic white wine alternative (chicken or vegetable broth)
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt
- Black pepper
Instructions
- Prep Your Ingredients: Peel and devein your shrimp, pat them dry, and season lightly with salt and pepper. Mince your garlic, chop your fresh parsley, and zest and juice your lemon. Snap the woody ends off the asparagus spears and cut them into 1-inch pieces.
- Cook the Pasta and Asparagus: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your linguine (or chosen pasta) and cook according to package directions, aiming for al dente. About 2-3 minutes before the pasta is done, add your chopped asparagus to the boiling water with the pasta.
- Reserve Pasta Water: Before draining, scoop out about 1 to 1½ cups of the starchy pasta water. Drain the pasta and asparagus and set aside.
- Start the Scampi Sauce: Heat a large skillet or non-stick pan over medium heat. Add the olive oil and butter. Once the butter is melted and sizzling, add your minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for about 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
- Cook the Shrimp: Increase the heat slightly to medium-high. Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for about 1-2 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the cooked shrimp from the pan and set them aside.
- Deglaze and Build the Sauce: Pour in your non-alcoholic white wine alternative and fresh lemon juice. Bring it to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Combine Everything: Add the cooked pasta and asparagus back into the skillet with the sauce. Toss well to coat. Gradually add about ½ cup of the reserved pasta water, tossing continuously until you reach your desired consistency.
- Return Shrimp and Finish: Add the cooked shrimp back to the pan and toss gently to combine. Stir in most of your fresh chopped parsley and a good amount of fresh lemon zest. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve Immediately: Transfer the Shrimp Scampi Pasta with Asparagus to serving bowls, garnishing with the remaining fresh parsley and a little extra lemon zest.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 200 mg
Keywords: Don't overcook the shrimp; they should be pink and opaque after 2-3 minutes. Reserve pasta water for a silky sauce and use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.