Easy Garlic-Shrimp Pasta

Impressive and easy, this garlic-shrimp pasta, made with penne, cherry tomatoes, asparagus, and Parmesan, is a quick springtime dinner.

• Preparation Time: 10 mins
• Cooking Time: 20 mins
• Total Time: 30 mins
• Calories: 952 Calories

Ingredients

• ¾ cup unsalted butter
• salt and ground black pepper to taste
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (16 ounce) package penne pasta
• 3 tablespoons capers
• 1 lemon, quartered
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• 1 bunch fresh asparagus, trimmed
• 1 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 ½ tablespoons olive oil, or to taste, divided

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add penne and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 11 minutes.

Step 2

While pasta is cooking, heat butter and 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, making sure not to burn, about 2 minutes. Add shrimp, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2 minutes; add tomatoes and capers. Cover and cook over medium-low heat until shrimp are completely pink, about 3 minutes more.

Step 3

Drain the penne and return it to the empty pot; toss with 1/2 tablespoon olive oil. Keep warm.

Step 4

Pour 1 inch of water into a pot and add a steamer basket. Bring water to a boil and add asparagus. Cover the pot and steam until al dente, about 3 minutes.

Step 5

Scoop 1/4 of the spaghetti onto a plate. Add 1/4 of the asparagus and 1/4 of the shrimp mixture, making sure to include the butter sauce as well. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and serve with a lemon wedge. Repeat with remaining spaghetti, asparagus, shrimp, Parmesan, and lemon wedges for each serving.