Pasta with Green Asparagus and Shrimp in Garlic-Chili Oil
This delightful dish combines tender pasta with vibrant green asparagus and juicy shrimp, all tossed in a flavorful garlic-chili oil. It’s a quick and easy recipe that brings the taste of spring to your table.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 250g (8.8 oz) of spaghetti or linguine
- 200g (7 oz) green asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 300g (10.5 oz) of large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes (adjust to taste)
- 4 tablespoons olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese, optional, for serving
Instructions
- Set a large pot of water to boil. Add a pinch of salt to season the pasta and add the spaghetti or linguine. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions (usually 8-10 minutes) until al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat 4 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until golden brown and fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic as it will become bitter.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they are pink and cooked through. Stir in the chili flakes to reach the desired level of spiciness.
- Add the cut asparagus pieces to the skillet and sauté for an additional 3-4 minutes until they are tender yet still crisp, stirring occasionally for even cooking.
- Once the pasta is ready, drain it, reserving some of the cooking water. Add the pasta to the skillet with the shrimp and asparagus. Add the lemon juice and zest, mixing everything well. If the mixture seems too dry, add a splash of the reserved cooking water.
- Season the dish with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the chopped parsley and let it sit on the stove for about 1 minute to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve the pasta hot, drizzled with extra olive oil and optionally topped with grated Parmesan. Enjoy your dish immediately while it's still fresh and warm!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg
Keywords: To avoid overcooking, ensure the pasta is al dente as it will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the sauce. Use a large non-stick skillet for even cooking of the shrimp and vegetables. Fresh parsley is recommended over dried for the best flavor.