Roasted Shrimp and Asparagus Pasta: A Fresh, Flavorful Weeknight Recipe
Discover a simple, vibrant, and healthy roasted shrimp and asparagus pasta dinner, ready in under 30 minutes for any busy night.
Roasted Shrimp and Asparagus Pasta Recipe
If you’re looking for a vibrant, nutritious, and quick weeknight meal, roasted shrimp and asparagus pasta is the answer. Bright lemon, tender asparagus, and succulent shrimp come together with whole-wheat spaghetti for a dish that balances fresh flavors and satisfying comfort. This recipe is perfect when you need dinner on the table in about 30 minutes—with minimal effort but maximum taste.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fast and Easy: Everything roasts together on a sheet pan or tray for less mess—just toss with cooked pasta and serve.
- Nutrient-Rich: Whole-wheat spaghetti provides fiber, asparagus is packed with vitamins, and shrimp offers lean protein.
- Zesty and Fresh: Lemon and fresh herbs brighten up the flavors, making this meal as refreshing as it is filling.
- Customizable: Adjust seasonings, add spice, or finish with extra cheese—make it truly your own.
- Great for Meal Prep: Leftovers keep well for simple lunches the next day.
Ingredients
- 12 oz. whole-wheat spaghetti
- 1 1/2 lb. asparagus, trimmed, cut into thirds
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil, divided
- Kosher salt
- Fresh ground black pepper
- 1 lemon (zest and juice)
- 1 lb. large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes (plus more to serve, optional)
- 1/2 cup flat-leaf parsley, chopped
- Grated parmesan, for serving
Step-by-Step Directions
- Prep the Oven and Pasta: Heat your oven to 425°F (218°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to boil and cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining, then return the pasta to the pot.
- Roast the Asparagus and Lemon: On a rimmed baking sheet, toss the chopped asparagus and garlic with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Zest the lemon and set the zest aside. Halve the lemon and place it cut side down on the sheet. Roast for 4 minutes.
- Add the Shrimp: While the asparagus roasts, toss the shrimp with the remaining tablespoon of olive oil, the red pepper flakes, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and another 1/4 teaspoon pepper. After the initial roast, arrange the shrimp on the tray alongside the asparagus. Continue roasting until the shrimp turn pink and opaque and the asparagus is just tender, 5 to 7 more minutes.
- Combine and Serve: Transfer the roasted lemon to a plate. Add the roasted asparagus, shrimp, and any flavorful pan juices to the pot of drained spaghetti. Squeeze the roasted lemon halves over the mix and toss everything together, adding a little of the reserved pasta water if the mixture looks dry. Stir in the parsley and serve garnished with the set-aside lemon zest, grated parmesan, and extra red pepper if desired.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
| Calories | Protein (g) | Carbs (g) | Fiber (g) | Sugars (g) | Fat (g) | Saturated Fat (g) | Cholesterol (mg) | Sodium (mg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 524 | 33 | 77 | 11 | 3.5 | 13 | 2 | 145 | 1,073 |
Values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredient brands and portions.
Tips for the Best Roasted Shrimp and Asparagus Pasta
- Cut Asparagus Evenly: Chop asparagus into roughly 1-2 inch pieces so they cook evenly and are easy to eat with pasta.
- Use Fresh, High-Quality Shrimp: Fresh or well-thawed frozen shrimp give the best texture. Be sure they are peeled and deveined for convenience.
- Don’t Overcook Shrimp or Asparagus: Shrimp become rubbery and asparagus turns mushy if over-roasted. Keep an eye on the oven in the last minutes.
- Lemon is Essential: Roasting the lemon deepens its flavor and adds a subtle sweetness—don’t skip this step!
- Reserve Pasta Water: Starchy pasta water creates a silky sauce that coats every noodle. Add a splash at a time until your desired consistency is reached.
- Finish with Parmesan and Parsley: These add a final burst of flavor and color—always use fresh if you can.
Ingredient Swaps and Variations
- Try Different Pasta Shapes: Penne, fusilli, or linguine work just as well as spaghetti.
- Add Other Vegetables: Snap peas, cherry tomatoes, or spinach can be added with shrimp.
- Make it Dairy-Free: Omit parmesan or use a dairy-free substitute. Nutritional yeast gives a cheesy flavor.
- Boost the Heat: Use extra red pepper flakes or add a smashed garlic clove to the roasting pan.
- Enhance the Herbiness: Swap parsley for fresh basil, dill, or mint for a different aromatic finish.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to restore moisture.
- Not Recommended for Freezing: Shrimp can become rubbery and asparagus mushy once frozen and reheated, so enjoy this dish fresh or from the fridge.
- Meal Prep: You can pre-chop the vegetables and portion the shrimp a day ahead to make assembly even faster on a busy night.
What others are reading
Essential Equipment
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Rimmed baking sheet for roasting
- Chef’s knife and cutting board
- Zester and citrus juicer
- Mixing bowls
- Tongs or large spoon for tossing pasta
Health Benefits and Nutritional Highlights
- High Protein: Shrimp provides lean, low-calorie protein, supporting muscle health and satiety.
- Rich in Fiber: Whole-wheat spaghetti boosts fiber intake for digestive health and longer fullness.
- Vitamins and Antioxidants: Asparagus is loaded with folate, vitamin K, vitamin C, and antioxidants that may help reduce inflammation.
- Healthy Fats: Extra-virgin olive oil offers heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.
- Low in Added Sugars: This recipe has naturally minimal sugar, supporting balanced blood sugar.
Serving Suggestions
- Wine Pairing: Pair with a crisp, citrusy white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or a dry Rosé for a perfect spring or summer dinner.
- Side Dishes: Serve with a simple arugula salad dressed in lemon and olive oil, or with roasted baby potatoes for a heartier meal.
- Bread: A crusty whole-grain baguette is perfect for sopping up any remaining sauce in your bowl.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make this pasta gluten-free?
A: Absolutely! Substitute the whole-wheat spaghetti with your favorite gluten-free pasta—just keep an eye on texture and cooking time.
Q: How do I avoid overcooking shrimp?
A: Shrimp cook rapidly; as soon as they turn pink and opaque (about 5-7 minutes in a hot oven), they’re done. Remove promptly to avoid rubberiness.
Q: Can I add more vegetables?
A: Definitely. Try cherry tomatoes, peas, or spinach for added color and nutrition. Just add them to the roasting tray during the last 5 minutes.
Q: Is there a substitute for parmesan?
A: Parmesan adds umami and depth, but you can substitute with grated pecorino, dairy-free parmesan, or nutritional yeast for a vegan option.
Q: How do I make the dish spicier?
A: Increase the red pepper flakes, or add a pinch of cayenne or fresh chili to the roasting pan for an extra kick.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Season in Layers: Adding a bit of salt at each stage—on the pasta water, the vegetables, and shrimp—will bring out the best flavor.
- Use Fresh Lemon: The oils in the zest and juice of a fresh lemon make the dish pop.
- Don’t Forget Reserved Pasta Water: It’s the secret to a glossy sauce that clings to the noodles rather than pooling in the bowl.
Final Thoughts
This roasted shrimp and asparagus pasta is a celebration of bright, healthy flavors and efficient home cooking. Crowd-pleasing and soul-satisfying, it’s ideal for anyone seeking a nutritious meal that doesn’t sacrifice taste or time. Whether for a busy weeknight or a relaxed weekend dinner, you’ll return to this dish again and again.
References
- https://www.francisfordcoppolawinery.com/coppolafeast/roasted-shrimp-asparagus-scampi-with-pasta-recipe/
- https://www.prevention.com/food-nutrition/recipes/a35878886/roasted-shrimp-asparagus-pasta-recipe/
- https://juliasalbum.com/shrimp-asparagus-pasta/
- https://www.skinnytaste.com/angel-hair-with-shrimp-and-asparagus/
- https://www.prevention.com/food-nutrition/recipes/a37351787/roasted-shrimp-parmesan-recipe/
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Sneha is a relationships and lifestyle writer with a strong foundation in applied linguistics and certified training in relationship coaching. She brings over five years of writing experience to thebridalbox, crafting thoughtful, research-driven content that empowers readers to build healthier relationships, boost emotional well-being, and embrace holistic living.
Read full bio of Sneha Tete
Read full bio of Sneha Tete
