Easy Lemon Asparagus Pasta with Juicy Grilled Shrimp

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Pasta: I love using linguine for this dish. It holds the sauce well. If you’re gluten-free, feel free to try a gluten-free pasta blend. Even zoodles (zucchini noodles) can work for a lighter alternative!

Shrimp: Large shrimp are best for grilling, but if you can’t find any, frozen shrimp are great too. Just make sure to thaw them properly. For a different protein, grilled chicken or even tofu could work well!

Asparagus: Fresh asparagus is a must for this recipe. But if asparagus is out of season, you could swap it with green beans or even snap peas. Both add a nice crunch and flavor!

Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is our go-to for its rich flavor, but you can swap it with avocado oil for a higher smoke point when grilling.

How Do You Achieve Perfectly Grilled Shrimp?

Getting grilled shrimp just right can be tricky! Here’s how to do it:

• Make sure your grill or grill pan is preheated to medium-high. If it’s not hot enough, the shrimp won’t sear properly.
• Coat the shrimp lightly with oil and season them well. I always sprinkle on kosher salt and black pepper.
• Keep an eye on them; they cook fast! Grill each side for about 2-3 minutes until they turn opaque and curl up.
• Remove the shrimp from the heat immediately after cooking, or they can become rubbery.

With these tips, your shrimp will be juicy and perfectly cooked every time!

Easy Lemon Asparagus Pasta with Juicy Grilled Shrimp

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Pasta:

• 8 oz (225 g) pasta (such as linguine, spaghetti, or fettuccine)

For the Grilled Shrimp:

• 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 3 tbsp olive oil, divided
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Asparagus & Sauce:

• 1 bunch (about 1 lb / 450 g) fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Zest and juice of 1 large lemon
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

How Much Time Will You Need?

This delicious dish takes about 30 minutes in total! You’ll spend roughly 10 minutes prepping, and the cooking process will take about 20 minutes. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta:

First, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Remember to reserve 1 cup of pasta water for later, then drain the pasta and set it aside.

2. Grill the Shrimp:

While the pasta is cooking, take the shrimp and toss them with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Preheat your grill pan or outdoor grill to medium-high heat. Grill the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn opaque and are cooked through. Once done, remove from heat and set aside.

3. Sauté the Asparagus:

In a large skillet, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Next, add the asparagus pieces to the skillet. Season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Cook while stirring occasionally for about 4-5 minutes until the asparagus is tender but remains crisp.

4. Combine and Toss:

Lower the heat to low. Add your cooked pasta to the skillet along with the lemon zest, lemon juice, and Parmesan cheese. Toss everything together gently, and add reserved pasta water a little bit at a time to loosen the sauce and help it coat the pasta evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

5. Serve and Enjoy:

Finally, serve the pasta in bowls, topped with the grilled shrimp. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy your vibrant and tasty Lemon Asparagus Pasta with Juicy Grilled Shrimp!

FAQ: 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 grilling. You can do this by placing them in the fridge overnight or thawing them quickly in a bowl of cold water for about 15-20 minutes. Pat them dry before seasoning!

What Can I Substitute for Asparagus?

If asparagus is not available, you can replace it with other veggies like green beans or snap peas, both of which provide a nice crunch. Broccoli florets or zucchini ribbons are great alternatives too!

Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?