Pasta With Shrimp, Asparagus And Basil
A vibrant pasta dish featuring succulent shrimp, tender asparagus, and fresh basil, tossed in a lemon-garlic sauce—perfect for light, flavorful dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Instructions
- About 45 minutes before serving, cook spaghetti according to package instructions and drain.
- In a food processor, blend basil, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and salt until smooth.
- Spray a nonstick skillet with cooking spray and heat over medium.
- Cook asparagus, stirring frequently, for about 5 minutes until almost tender-crisp.
- Add shrimp to the skillet and cook, stirring frequently, until shrimp are pink, about 4 minutes.
- In a large serving bowl, toss the cooked pasta with the basil mixture.
- Stir in the cooked shrimp and asparagus before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For optimal flavor, use fresh basil and high-quality shrimp. If fresh asparagus is unavailable, you can substitute with frozen or even broccoli. Adjust the garlic to your taste; roasted garlic can add a delightful sweetness. For a kick, consider adding red pepper flakes to the basil mixture. This dish pairs well with a light Zippy Italian Dressing on the side.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Pasta With Shrimp hot, garnished with extra basil or a sprinkle of Parmesan. It pairs beautifully with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio complements the flavors wonderfully. For a heartier option, consider adding a side of grilled vegetables or a light seafood medley.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or olive oil in a skillet over low heat, stirring gently until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the shrimp rubbery. Freshly cooked pasta tastes best, so enjoy the dish soon after preparation.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pasta With Shrimp, Asparagus And Basil contains roughly 1118 calories, with 6g protein, 22g carbohydrates, and 114g fat. It is a good source of iron (13% of the Daily Value) and protein (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1792mg per serving (78% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While spaghetti is traditional, you can substitute with any pasta shape you prefer, such as fettuccine or penne. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for your chosen pasta.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the basil mixture and cook the shrimp and asparagus ahead of time. Just combine everything with the pasta right before serving to keep the dish fresh. Store each component separately in the fridge until you're ready to toss them together.
What can I do with leftovers?
Leftover Pasta With Shrimp can be enjoyed cold as a pasta salad or reheated for a quick meal. To enhance the flavors, consider adding a bit more lemon juice or a drizzle of olive oil when reheating. You can also mix in additional vegetables for a refreshing twist.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).