This lemon asparagus pasta is fresh and zesty, perfect for a light meal. The bright lemon flavor pairs beautifully with crunchy asparagus and juicy grilled shrimp. Yum!
Trust me, the shrimp adds that special touch, making it feel like a fancy dish without the fuss. I love serving it with a sprinkle of Parmesan on top—and oh boy, it’s hard to stop at just one serving! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I often use spaghetti or linguine for a nice, light texture. Feel free to swap in gluten-free pasta or even zoodles (zucchini noodles) for a lower-carb version!
Shrimp: Large shrimp brings a great bite, but if they’re not available, you can use medium or even smaller shrimp. Consider tofu or chickpeas if you’re looking for a plant-based option!
Asparagus: Fresh asparagus provides a crisp, fresh crunch. If it’s out of season, you can substitute with broccoli or green beans. Frozen asparagus will also work as a quick alternative.
Lemon: The zest and juice add brightness. If you don’t have fresh lemons, bottled lemon juice can work, though fresh is always best! For a twist, try using lime instead.
Parmesan cheese: Grated Parmesan adds depth. If you’re dairy-free, use nutritional yeast or a vegan cheese substitute.
How Do I Grill the Shrimp Perfectly?
Grilling shrimp can be super easy with a few tips! Make sure to preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat for that perfect sear.
- Coat the shrimp lightly with olive oil, which prevents sticking and helps with crisping.
- Grill the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side. They’ll turn a lovely pink when done. Overcooking can make them chewy.
- Remove from heat as soon as they’re opaque. They’ll continue cooking a bit from residual heat!
Easy Lemon Asparagus Pasta with Juicy Grilled Shrimp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Pasta:
- 8 oz (225 g) spaghetti or linguine pasta
For The Shrimp:
- 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tbsp olive oil, divided
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (divided)
For The Asparagus:
- 1 bunch asparagus (about 1 lb/450 g), trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
For The Sauce:
- 1 lemon (zest and juice)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This easy pasta dish takes about 30 minutes total: 10 minutes for prep and 20 minutes for cooking. You’ll enjoy a delightful, fresh meal in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare and Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the spaghetti or linguine and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (cooked but still slightly firm). Remember to reserve 1 cup of the pasta water before draining the pasta!
2. Prepare the Shrimp:
While the pasta is cooking, take the shrimp and toss them in a bowl with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, a sprinkle of salt, pepper, and half of the minced garlic. Make sure they are well coated for the best flavor!
3. Grill the Shrimp:
Next, heat a grill pan or outdoor grill over medium-high heat. When it’s hot, add the shrimp and grill them for about 2-3 minutes on each side. You’ll know they’re done when they turn pink and opaque. Once cooked, remove them from the grill and set aside.
4. Cook the Asparagus:
In a large skillet, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add in the asparagus pieces and sauté for about 4-5 minutes until they are tender but still a little crisp. They should have a lovely bright green color!
5. Add Garlic and Flavor:
Now, mix in the remaining minced garlic and the red pepper flakes (if you’re using them). Stir this for another minute until the garlic is fragrant.
6. Combine Pasta:
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the asparagus. Toss everything together well so the pasta is coated with all those flavors.
7. Add Lemon and Cheese:
Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and Parmesan cheese. If the dish looks a bit dry, gradually pour in some of the reserved pasta water until you achieve a nice, silky texture.
8. Add Shrimp and Finish:
Gently fold in the grilled shrimp so that they’re evenly distributed throughout the pasta. Taste everything and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
9. Serve:
Your dish is ready! Serve it warm, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese on top. Enjoy this zesty and colorful meal that’s both delicious and satisfying!
Bon appétit! 😊
FAQ for Easy Lemon Asparagus Pasta with Juicy Grilled Shrimp
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely before cooking. You can quickly thaw them by placing the shrimp in a sealed bag and submerging them in cold water for about 15-20 minutes.
How Do I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, simply omit the shrimp and replace it with a protein like chickpeas, tofu, or sautéed mushrooms. You can also add more veggies like bell peppers or zucchini for extra flavor and texture!
What Can I Use Instead of Parmesan Cheese?
If you’re looking for a substitute, nutritional yeast gives a cheesy flavor and is a great dairy-free option. Alternatively, you can use pecorino Romano or any hard cheese you prefer for a similar taste.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil to help loosen the pasta and prevent it from drying out.
