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Creamy Lemon Asparagus Shrimp Pasta Recipe Easy Garlic Butter Sauce

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A quick and easy creamy lemon asparagus shrimp pasta with garlic butter sauce that balances bright lemon flavor with rich creaminess and tender shrimp, perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (fresh or thawed frozen)
  • 1 bunch asparagus (about 1 pound), trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 8 ounces fettuccine or linguine pasta
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • Juice and zest of 1 large lemon
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Red pepper flakes (optional, a pinch)

Instructions

  1. Trim asparagus and cut into 2-inch pieces. Peel and devein shrimp if not already done. Mince garlic, zest and juice the lemon. Set aside.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions (about 10–12 minutes) until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water and drain pasta.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté asparagus for 3–4 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. Remove and set aside.
  4. In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons butter and minced garlic. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside with asparagus.
  5. Lower heat to medium-low. Add remaining 2 tablespoons butter and lemon zest, stirring for 1 minute. Pour in heavy cream and lemon juice, simmer gently for 3–4 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
  6. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Add reserved pasta water gradually if sauce is too thick.
  7. Add cooked pasta, shrimp, and asparagus back to skillet. Toss gently to coat evenly in sauce. Heat through for 1–2 minutes, adjust seasoning as needed.
  8. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan and lemon wedges.

Notes

Keep an eye on shrimp to avoid overcooking; they cook quickly and continue to firm after removal from heat. Use fresh lemon zest for best flavor. Add pasta water gradually to adjust sauce consistency. Remove pan from heat before adding Parmesan to prevent clumping.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon shrimp pasta, creamy pasta, asparagus pasta, garlic butter sauce, quick dinner, easy pasta recipe, seafood pasta

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