Elegant Penne with Asparagus and Shrimp

This is a healthy, hearty, yet elegant recipe that is good enough for guests. It is also very easy and can be made with little notice. With low-carb pasta this can a good low-carb meal idea.

• Preparation Time: 20 mins
• Cooking Time: 15 mins
• Total Time: 35 mins
• Calories: 638 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup penne pasta
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
• 10 spears asparagus, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 18 peeled and deveined large shrimp (21 to 25 per lb)
• 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 0.5 cup white wine
• 0.25 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 0.25 cup onion, chopped

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add penne and cook until al dente, 8 to 10 minutes; drain.

Step 2

Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Stir in the garlic and onion, and cook until the onion has softened and turned translucent, about 5 minutes. Pour in the white wine, and simmer for 2 minutes. Stir in the red pepper flakes, butter, and asparagus; cook until the asparagus is just tender, about 3 minutes. Add the shrimp and lemon juice, continue cooking until the shrimp have turned pink and are no longer translucent in the center. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Step 3

Toss the cooked penne pasta with the shrimp and asparagus mixture. Sprinkle with parsley and Parmesan cheese to garnish.