Sautéed Shrimp and Asparagus with Lemon Garlic Pasta
Quick-cooked shrimp and asparagus tossed in a lemony garlic sauce over al dente pasta. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 30 minutes pairs shrimp, asparagus, pasta for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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.
Ingredients
- 12 oz shrimp
- 8 oz asparagus
- 8 oz pasta
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 lemon
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 2 tbsp parsley
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook 8 oz pasta in salted boiling water until al dente (8-10 minutes), reserving 1/2 cup pasta water. Drain and set aside.
- Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 12 oz peeled shrimp and cook 2-3 minutes per side until pink. Transfer to a plate.
- Step 3: Add 8 oz trimmed asparagus to skillet with 3 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes. Sauté 4-5 minutes until asparagus is tender-crisp. Return shrimp to skillet, add 1/2 cup reserved pasta water, and toss with 8 oz cooked pasta. Squeeze juice from 1 lemon and stir in 2 tbsp chopped parsley until sauce thickens slightly.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Shrimp and Asparagus with Lemon Garlic Pasta take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 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 Sautéed Shrimp and Asparagus with Lemon Garlic 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 shrimp from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Shrimp and Asparagus with Lemon Garlic 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 Sautéed Shrimp and Asparagus with Lemon Garlic 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.
What goes well with Sautéed Shrimp and Asparagus with Lemon Garlic Pasta?
Italian pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Best recipe I've made this month.
- ★★★★★
The flavors in this sautéed are incredible.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 15-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
