Craving something light yet satisfying? This garlic butter asparagus and shrimp with angel hair pasta is the perfect go-to dish. It’s quick to prepare, delicious, and brings a burst of flavor to your dining table. Imagine succulent shrimp tossed with tender asparagus and delicate angel hair pasta, all coated in a rich garlic butter sauce. It’s a delightful seafood experience!
In just 30 minutes, you can impress your family or guests with a meal that looks fancy but is incredibly simple to make. The combination of fresh asparagus and shrimp creates a vibrant dish that is not only pleasing to the eyes but also tantalizing to the taste buds. You’ll love how the garlic butter sauce enhances the natural sweetness of the shrimp and the crispness of the asparagus.
Vibrant Ingredients That Shine
This dish bursts with freshness, thanks to the vibrant combination of shrimp and asparagus. The large, succulent shrimp are not just a source of protein but also provide a pleasing contrast in texture against the tender-crisp asparagus.
The bright green asparagus brings a crunch that complements the smoothness of the angel hair pasta. This delightful mix creates a visually appealing plate that invites you to dig in.
Garlic Butter Sauce: The Flavor Enhancer
The star of this dish is the rich garlic butter sauce that elevates the entire experience. This sauce is simple yet incredibly effective, bringing depth to the delicate flavors of the pasta, shrimp, and asparagus.
Infused with minced garlic and a hint of red pepper flakes, it adds a warmth while complementing the natural sweetness of the shrimp. A splash of lemon juice elevates the dish, balancing the richness with a citrusy brightness.
Quick Preparation for Delightful Results
One of the most appealing aspects of this recipe is its quick preparation time. With just a total of 30 minutes from start to finish, you can create a dish that looks and tastes gourmet.
The stages—cooking the pasta, sautéing the asparagus, and preparing the shrimp—flow seamlessly, making it an ideal choice for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Garnishing for Visual Appeal
A final touch of fresh parsley not only adds color but also a burst of freshness to the dish. This simple garnish enhances the presentation, making each plate look more inviting.
Additionally, serving with a wedge of lemon allows your guests to customize their flavor experience, creating a refreshing burst that complements the garlic butter sauce beautifully.
Nutritional Balance in Each Serving
With 380 calories per serving, this dish strikes a balance between indulgence and nutrition. The combination of shrimp, asparagus, and pasta provides a satisfying meal without overwhelming your diet.
This dish delivers a good source of protein from the shrimp, healthy fats from the butter, and essential vitamins from the asparagus, making it a well-rounded choice for any meal.
Serving Suggestions to Elevate the Meal
This vibrant garlic butter asparagus and shrimp dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or a light soup. This combination allows for a well-rounded dining experience, making it suitable for both casual meals and festive gatherings.
Consider adding a glass of white wine or sparkling water with a slice of lemon for a refreshing accompaniment that enhances the flavors of the dish.
Quick and Delicious Garlic Butter Asparagus and Shrimp Pasta
This dish features perfectly cooked shrimp, crunchy asparagus, and al dente angel hair pasta, all tossed together in a luscious garlic butter sauce. It’s light yet filling, offering a fantastic balance of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces angel hair pasta
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the angel hair pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the Asparagus: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the asparagus and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Shrimp: In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Add the shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook until pink and opaque (about 3-4 minutes).
- Combine: Add the cooked asparagus back to the skillet, along with the drained pasta and lemon juice. Toss everything together until well coated in the garlic butter sauce.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: 380kcal
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 32g