This light and flavorful pasta combines tender shrimp, fresh asparagus, and angel hair in a lemon-garlic olive oil sauce—ready in just 30 minutes.
1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
8 oz angel hair pasta
1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
4 garlic cloves, minced
3 tbsp olive oil
1 lemon (zest and juice)
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Optional: 2 tbsp grated Parmesan
Reserved pasta water (about 1/2 cup)
Boil salted water and cook angel hair until just al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water. Drain.
Season shrimp with salt and pepper.
Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Cook shrimp for 1–2 minutes per side. Set aside.
Add asparagus to the skillet with another splash of oil. Cook 3–5 minutes.
Add garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté 30 seconds.
Return shrimp to skillet. Add lemon zest, juice, and 1/4 cup pasta water. Stir gently.
Add angel hair and toss to coat. Adjust sauce with more pasta water if needed.
Garnish with parsley and Parmesan. Serve warm.
Swap in chicken or scallops if preferred.
Use zucchini noodles for a low-carb version.
Add cherry tomatoes or capers for extra flavor.
Leftovers store well for up to 2 days.