Chamli Nawod If you’re looking for a delicious, restaurant-quality meal that’s quick enough for a busy weeknight, this Garlic Parmesan Shrimp and Asparagus Pasta is the perfect choice. Packed with bold flavors, tender shrimp, crisp asparagus, and a creamy garlic parmesan sauce, this dish is sure to impress.
In this blog post, we’ll walk you through:
✔️ Why this dish is a must-try
✔️ Ingredient breakdown & substitutions
✔️ Step-by-step cooking instructions
✔️ Expert tips for the best results
✔️ Serving suggestions & storage tips
Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Pasta
This dish is a crowd-pleaser for several reasons:
✅ Quick & Easy – Ready in 30 minutes or less!
✅ Healthy & Balanced – Packed with protein and veggies.
✅ Restaurant-Quality Flavor – Rich, garlicky, and cheesy.
✅ Versatile – Works with different pasta types and proteins.
Whether you’re cooking for a date night, family dinner, or meal prep, this recipe delivers every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything required to make this Garlic Parmesan Shrimp and Asparagus Pasta:
Main Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (linguine, fettuccine, or spaghetti)
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled & deveined
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed & cut into 2-inch pieces
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese (plus extra for garnish)
- ¼ cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter option)
- 3 tbsp butter (divided)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- Salt & black pepper to taste
Seasonings
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp paprika
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
(See substitutions below if needed!)
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add pasta and cook until al dente (check package instructions).
- Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add shrimp in a single layer, seasoning with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Cook for 1-2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Asparagus
- In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp butter and 1 tbsp olive oil.
- Toss in asparagus and sauté for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp.
- Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 4: Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce
- Reduce heat to medium and pour in heavy cream, stirring gently.
- Add parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and creamy.
- Squeeze in lemon juice and sprinkle Italian seasoning.
Step 5: Combine Everything
- Add cooked pasta and shrimp back into the skillet.
- Toss well, adding pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and extra parmesan.
Expert Tips for the Best Results
🔹 Don’t overcook the shrimp – They should be just pink and slightly curled.
🔹 Use fresh garlic – Pre-minced garlic lacks the same depth of flavor.
🔹 Adjust sauce thickness – Add more pasta water if too thick, or simmer longer if too thin.
🔹 Try different pasta – Penne or bowtie pasta also work well.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is delicious on its own, but you can pair it with:
🍷 White wine (like Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay)
🥖 Garlic bread or a crisp salad
🧀 Extra parmesan & lemon wedges for garnish
Storage & Reheating Tips
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Gently warm in a skillet with a splash of cream or broth to refresh the sauce.
- Freezing: Not recommended (cream-based sauces may separate).
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Parmesan Shrimp and Asparagus Pasta is a simple yet luxurious meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With its creamy, garlicky sauce, succulent shrimp, and fresh asparagus, it’s a guaranteed hit.
Give it a try and let us know how it turns out in the comments!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A: Yes! Thaw and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture.
Q: Can I substitute the heavy cream?
A: Yes! Half-and-half or whole milk work (but sauce will be thinner).
Q: What if I don’t have asparagus?
A: Try broccoli, zucchini, or spinach instead.
Q: Is this dish gluten-free?
A: Use gluten-free pasta to make it GF.
Enjoy your Garlic Parmesan Shrimp and Asparagus Pasta! 🍤🍝 Let us know if you have any questions. Happy cooking!
