Ingredients:

  • 8 ounces pasta of your choice (such as linguine or fettuccine)
  • 1 bunch fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions:

1. Blanch the Asparagus:

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  • Prepare a bowl of ice water.
  • Add the asparagus to the boiling water and blanch for about 2 minutes, or until just tender but still crisp.
  • Immediately transfer the blanched asparagus to the ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain and set aside.

2. Cook the Pasta:

  • Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving some pasta water.

3. Prepare the Shrimp:

  • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
  • Add the shrimp to the skillet and season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp are pink and cooked through.
  • Remove the cooked shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

4. Combine Ingredients:

  • Add the blanched asparagus and cooked pasta to the skillet with the garlic-infused olive oil. Toss to combine and coat the pasta evenly.
  • If the pasta seems dry, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it up and create a light sauce.

5. Serve:

  • Divide the shrimp and pasta mixture among serving plates.
  • Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley, if desired.
  • Serve hot and enjoy your delicious Shrimp and Asparagus Pasta!

Note: Blanching the asparagus before adding it to the pasta ensures that it retains its vibrant green color and crisp texture, adding freshness and visual appeal to the dish.