Balsamic-Glazed Shrimp and Asparagus Pasta

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender shrimp and crisp asparagus coated in a tangy-sweet balsamic reduction, tossed with perfectly cooked spaghetti. This italian-inspired pasta (gluten-free) ready in about 40 minutes pairs spaghetti, shrimp, asparagus for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 650 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 650 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb shrimp and season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Sauté for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque, then remove and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil and 2 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, then add 1 lb asparagus pieces and cook for 4-5 minutes until tender-crisp.
  4. Step 4: Add 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar and 1/4 cup chicken stock to the skillet, scraping up any browned bits. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2 minutes until slightly reduced.
  5. Step 5: Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat. Add the drained spaghetti and 2 tbsp reserved pasta water, tossing until the sauce coats every strand. Stir in 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
  6. Step 6: Season with additional salt and pepper to taste, and garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Balsamic-Glazed Shrimp and Asparagus Pasta take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Balsamic-Glazed Shrimp and Asparagus Pasta?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep spaghetti from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Balsamic-Glazed Shrimp and Asparagus Pasta?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Balsamic-Glazed Shrimp and Asparagus Pasta for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Balsamic-Glazed Shrimp and Asparagus Pasta gluten-free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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