The Creamiest Asparagus and Shrimp Pasta Recipe You’ll Ever Try

Asparagus shrimp pasta enhances ordinary weeknight meals into something extraordinary, blending delicate ocean flavors with crisp spring vegetables.

Green stalks and succulent seafood create a harmonious culinary dance on your plate.

Bright, fresh ingredients mingle in a silky sauce that whispers of Mediterranean coastlines.

Elegant yet uncomplicated, this dish celebrates seasonal produce with minimal effort.

Light garlic undertones complement the natural sweetness of perfectly cooked shellfish.

Tender pasta strands weave through vibrant green spears, promising a sensory experience that delights and satisfies.

Prepare to fall in love with a meal that feels like a gourmet restaurant escape.

Tips to Avoid Mushy Veggies and Overcooked Shrimp

• Slice Asparagus Strategically: Cut asparagus diagonally into thin, uniform strips to ensure even cooking and elegant presentation.
• Sear Shrimp Perfectly: Cook shrimp in small batches to prevent overcrowding, allowing each piece to develop a golden-brown exterior without steaming.
• Control Sauce Consistency: Reserve pasta water as a secret weapon to thin or thicken the sauce, creating a silky, clingy texture that coats every strand of linguine.
• Layer Flavors Wisely: Sauté garlic and chives briefly to release their aromatic oils without burning, building a rich foundational taste for the cream sauce.
• Garnish with Finesse: Sprinkle fresh chive blossoms and cracked black pepper just before serving to add a burst of color and a final layer of fresh, peppery flavor.

How to Keep the Creaminess After Reheating

• Refrigerate: Transfer leftovers to an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the pasta and sauce separate to maintain texture.
• Reheat: Gently warm pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of reserved pasta water or cream to restore moisture and prevent drying. Stir constantly to distribute heat evenly and prevent sticking.
• Tips: Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make shrimp tough and pasta mushy. When reheating, add fresh chives or a sprinkle of Pecorino to refresh the flavors and make the dish taste almost as good as when first prepared.

Great Pairings for This Elegant Weeknight Pasta

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a vibrant sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio to complement the creamy sauce and delicate seafood flavors, cutting through the richness while enhancing the fresh asparagus notes.
• Match with Herbed Focaccia Bread: Serve a warm, olive oil-brushed focaccia with rosemary and sea salt to provide a rustic companion that soaks up the luxurious sauce and adds textural contrast.
• Create a Bright Side Salad: Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette and shaved parmesan to balance the pasta's creaminess, adding a zesty, peppery element that refreshes the palate between bites.
• Select a Citrus-Infused Sparkling Water: Offer a lemon or lime-infused sparkling water as a non-alcoholic option that cleanses the palate and mirrors the dish's fresh, springtime character.

Seasonal Twists for a New Pasta Experience

• Mediterranean Melody: Replace Pecorino with crumbled feta cheese and add sun-dried tomatoes for a Greek-inspired flavor profile that brings tangy brightness to the creamy pasta.
• Spicy Ocean Wave: Incorporate red pepper flakes and a splash of sriracha into the sauce, then garnish with chopped cilantro for a zesty, heat-packed seafood experience that awakens taste buds.
• Green Goddess Fusion: Swap half and half with coconut milk, add fresh basil leaves, and include grilled zucchini strips alongside asparagus to create a lighter, herbaceous version with tropical undertones.
• Rustic Countryside Charm: Mix in crispy pancetta bits during shrimp searing, use aged Parmesan instead of Pecorino, and sprinkle fresh thyme for a robust, earthy rendition that feels like a countryside feast.

Why Creamy Asparagus and Shrimp Pasta Feels So Luxe

• Savor Quick Gourmet Comfort: This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy home cooks craving elegant dining without complex techniques.
• Celebrate Texture Symphony: Experience a delightful contrast between tender shrimp, crisp-tender asparagus, and silky linguine coated in a luxuriously creamy Pecorino sauce that hugs every pasta strand.
• Elevate Seasonal Freshness: Highlight spring's best produce by showcasing vibrant asparagus and delicate chive blossoms, creating a dish that captures the essence of seasonal, light eating with rich, satisfying flavors.

The Fresh Ingredients That Build Flavor Fast

• Linguine: Classic Italian pasta perfect for creamy sauces and holding delicate ingredients.

• Shrimp, Pecorino Cheese: Quick-cooking seafood that adds sweet, delicate flavor; sharp, salty cheese for depth and richness.

• Asparagus, Garlic, Chives, Chive Blossoms: Fresh spring vegetable with tender texture; aromatic ingredients that provide sharp, oniony flavor and elegant garnish.

• Butter, Half and Half: Rich, creamy components that create smooth sauce and enhance overall flavor profile.

• Black Pepper: Classic finishing spice that adds warmth and subtle heat to the dish.

How to Cook a Velvety Shrimp Pasta Without Fuss

Step 1: Prepare Asparagus and Pasta

Break off the tough woody ends from asparagus spears and slice them into thin diagonal strips. Cook linguine in salted boiling water until al dente, setting aside some pasta water before draining.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables and Seafood

Melt butter in a large skillet and sauté asparagus until it becomes tender-crisp and maintains a bright green color. Remove asparagus and set aside. In the same skillet, sear shrimp in batches until they turn pink and develop a light golden exterior. Remove shrimp from pan.

Step 3: Create Creamy Sauce

• Minced garlic
• Chopped chives

Pour in half and half, then sprinkle Pecorino cheese. Stir continuously until the sauce becomes smooth and velvety.

Step 4: Combine and Finish Dish

Gently fold the cooked asparagus and shrimp into the creamy sauce. Plate the linguine and generously top with the sauce, using reserved pasta water to adjust the sauce’s consistency if needed. Garnish with delicate chive blossoms and freshly cracked black pepper. Serve immediately while hot and fresh.

Creamy Asparagus and Shrimp Pasta Recipe

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4.7 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy asparagus and shrimp pasta whisks Mediterranean flavors into a quick, elegant dinner. Silky sauce, tender shrimp, and crisp asparagus create a perfect harmony that satisfies comfort cravings and gourmet expectations in one delightful plate.

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Ingredients

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Main Proteins:

• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• ½ pound linguine

Vegetables and Herbs:

• 1 pound asparagus
• 3 tablespoons minced garlic (2 to 3 cloves)
• 2 tablespoons minced chives, divided
• 4 chive blossoms

Dairy and Seasonings:

• ½ cup half-and-half
• ½ cup grated Pecorino cheese
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
• Coarse sea salt
• Freshly ground pepper

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Instructions

1. Trim the tough, woody ends from asparagus spears and slice them diagonally into delicate, thin strips, creating elegant, bite-sized pieces.
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook linguine until it reaches a perfect al dente texture, approximately 8-9 minutes. Carefully reserve of starchy pasta water before draining.
3. Melt of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Gently sauté the asparagus strips for 3-4 minutes until they become tender-crisp and maintain a vibrant emerald green color. Transfer the asparagus to a separate plate.
4. In the same skillet, add another tablespoon (15 grams) of butter and sear the shrimp in small batches. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side until they turn a beautiful pink and develop a light golden exterior. Remove and set aside with the asparagus.
5. Reduce heat to low and add minced garlic and chopped chives to the skillet. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, releasing their aromatic essence.
6. Pour in of half and half, stirring continuously. Gradually sprinkle of grated Pecorino cheese, whisking until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
7. Gently fold the cooked asparagus and shrimp into the silky sauce, ensuring they are evenly coated. If the sauce appears too thick, incorporate some reserved pasta water to achieve the desired consistency.
8. Plate the linguine and generously ladle the creamy sauce over the pasta. Garnish with delicate chive blossoms and a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper. Serve immediately while hot and luxuriously creamy.

Notes

• Snap off tough asparagus ends and slice diagonally for elegant, bite-sized pieces that cook evenly and look restaurant-worthy.
• Reserve pasta water before draining, a secret weapon for creating silky, clingy sauce that perfectly coats every strand of linguine.
• Sauté shrimp in batches to ensure golden edges and prevent steaming, which delivers restaurant-quality caramelization and intense flavor.
• Melt butter slowly and whisk Pecorino carefully to prevent sauce from breaking, creating a luxuriously smooth and creamy texture.
• Garnish with fresh chive blossoms at the last moment for a delicate, oniony pop of color and unexpected gourmet touch.
• Serve immediately while sauce is glossy and hot, preserving the perfect balance of tender shrimp and crisp asparagus.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 510 kcal
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 680mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 170mg