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Roasted Shrimp and Asparagus Pasta: A Flavorful Spring Dinner

Celebrate seasonal vegetables and succulent shrimp with this quick, healthy pasta favorite packed with flavor and nutrition.

By Sneha Tete, Integrated MA, Certified Relationship Coach

Created on Sep 24, 2025

Celebrate seasonal vegetables and succulent shrimp with this quick, healthy pasta favorite packed with flavor and nutrition.

Roasted Shrimp and Asparagus Pasta Recipe

When spring vegetables begin to appear and you crave a light, delicious dinner that feels as fresh as a sunny day, this roasted shrimp and asparagus pasta is the perfect option. Combining juicy, perfectly roasted shrimp with crisp-tender asparagus and wholesome whole-wheat spaghetti, it’s finished with fresh lemon, parsley, and a sprinkle of Parmesan for a restaurant-worthy meal at home. Roasting the shrimp and asparagus together is a simple trick that locks in flavor, adds caramelized notes, and keeps prep time minimal. This dish is ideal for busy weeknights or as a special weekend lunch, and it’s sure to become a favorite in your cooking rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy: Minimal prep and hands-on time; the oven does most of the work.
Nutritious: Packed with fiber, lean protein, and vitamins from shrimp and asparagus.
Seasonal: Makes the most of spring asparagus and bright flavors.
Customizable: Easily adaptable to your favorite pasta or additional veggies.

Essential Ingredients

Ingredient	Quantity	Notes
Whole-wheat spaghetti	12 oz	Or substitute favorite pasta
Asparagus	1½ lb	Trimmed, cut into thirds
Garlic	2 cloves	Chopped
Olive oil	2 Tbsp	Divided
Kosher salt & pepper	To taste	–
Lemon	1	Zest and juice, roasted for flavor
Large shrimp	1 lb	Peeled and deveined
Red pepper flakes	½ tsp	Plus more for serving, optional
Flat-leaf parsley	½ cup	Chopped
Grated parmesan	For serving	–

Step-by-Step Directions

Follow these simple steps to prepare your roasted shrimp and asparagus pasta for a stress-free, flavorful meal.

Preheat and Prep: Heat your oven to 425°F. Cook the pasta according to package directions. Reserve one cup of cooking water before draining and return pasta to the pot.
Season and Roast Veggies: On a rimmed baking sheet, toss asparagus and chopped garlic with 1 tablespoon olive oil, plus ¼ teaspoon each salt and pepper. Zest the lemon and reserve the zest. Halve the lemon and place both halves cut side down on the baking sheet. Roast for 4 minutes.
Prepare and Roast Shrimp: While the asparagus roasts, toss peeled shrimp with the remaining tablespoon of olive oil, red pepper flakes, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Nestle shrimp onto the tray with asparagus; return pan to oven and roast until the shrimp are opaque and asparagus is just tender, about 5–7 more minutes.
Combine and Serve: Transfer roasted lemon halves to a plate. Move shrimp, asparagus, and any pan juices into the pot with pasta. Squeeze lemon juice over the mixture; toss to combine, adding reserved pasta water if necessary to loosen. Finish with chopped parsley, reserved lemon zest, grated Parmesan, and extra red pepper flakes if desired.

Nutrition Highlights (per serving)

Calories: 524
Protein: 33 g
Carbohydrates: 77 g
Fiber: 11 g
Sugars: 3.5 g (0 g added sugars)
Total fat: 13 g (2 g saturated)
Cholesterol: 145 mg
Sodium: 1,073 mg

Tips for Pasta Perfection

To keep your pasta from clumping or drying out as you finish the shrimp and asparagus, try these kitchen-tested tips:

Reserve Pasta Water: A cup of starchy pasta water helps the sauce coat each strand, loosening texture if pasta is dry.
Timing is Key: Start the shrimp and asparagus roasting as the pasta boils; aim to finish both at the same time for the best texture.
Quick Rinse: If pasta finishes before shrimp and asparagus, rinse briefly with cool water to prevent sticking. Drizzle on a touch of oil if needed.
Right Tools: Toss everything together with tongs or two large spoons to evenly distribute sauce and ingredients.

Ingredient Spotlight: Asparagus and Shrimp

Asparagus is a spring superfood loaded with fiber, folate, and vitamins A, C, and K. Roasting brings out its sweetness and concentrates flavor while maintaining its trademark crunch. Shrimp is a lean source of high-quality protein, offers nutrients like vitamin B12 and selenium, and develops a tender, juicy bite when roasted rather than boiled or sautéed.

Whole-Wheat Spaghetti Benefits

Opting for whole-wheat spaghetti increases fiber, adds heart-healthy nutrients, and delivers a nutty flavor that complements roasted vegetables. This choice contributes to long-lasting satiety and better blood sugar control.

Customizations and Substitutions

This roasted shrimp and asparagus pasta is endlessly adaptable. Here are a few ways to make it your own:

Try different pasta shapes: Penne, fusilli, or linguine all work well.
Swap shrimp for other proteins: Thinly sliced chicken breast, salmon, or scallops.
Add more veggies: Toss in cherry tomatoes, zucchini, or bell peppers for extra color and nutrients.
Make it gluten-free: Use a gluten-free pasta blend.
Spice variations: Substitute Italian seasoning or chopped fresh basil for parsley, or add a splash of white wine for brightness.

Seasonal Pairings and Serving Suggestions

The brightness of lemon and freshness of herbs in this pasta make it a perfect centerpiece for a spring meal. Pair it with:

Crisp green salad: Dress with lemon vinaigrette to echo flavors in the pasta.
Grilled sourdough bread: Swipe through leftover pan juices.
Light white wine: Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, or a dry Rosé make great matches.
Steamed artichokes or peas: Celebrate the season’s bounty.

Pasta Night, Made Easy

This dish proves that cooking healthy meals can be simple, with little cleanup required. Roasting on one tray maximizes flavor and results in minimal mess. Prep everything ahead, and assemble just before serving for easy entertaining or meal prep.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Prep veggies in advance: Asparagus can be chopped and refrigerated up to 2 days ahead.
Store leftovers: Keep refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking shrimp.
Freezing: Not recommended; shrimp and asparagus lose their best texture.

Health Benefits Overview

This pasta offers plenty of lean protein from shrimp, fiber and antioxidants from asparagus and whole grain pasta, and heart-healthy fats from olive oil. Lemon adds vitamin C and a refreshing flavor profile, while parsley boosts the meal’s vitamin K and helps balance rich seafood flavors with its grassy brightness.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, but thaw thoroughly and pat dry before tossing with oil and seasoning. Roasting works best if the shrimp aren’t wet.

Can I make this dish ahead?

For best texture, roast shrimp and asparagus right before serving. You can cook pasta ahead of time and warm it with reserved pasta water and the roasted ingredients.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not with whole-wheat spaghetti, but you can use gluten-free pasta or rice noodles.

What’s the best way to prep asparagus?

Trim tough ends and cut spears into 2–3-inch pieces for even roasting and easy eating.

Can I use other vegetables?

Absolutely. Roasted broccoli, snap peas, or even grape tomatoes are tasty additions.

Expert Tips for the Best Roasted Shrimp and Asparagus Pasta

Don’t overcook shrimp: Remove from heat as soon as they turn opaque and pink for tender, juicy results.
Roast lemon halves: Adds sweetness, mellows acidity, and creates a unique, caramelized flavor for your sauce.
Use freshly grated Parmesan: Melts better and tastes fresher than pre-shredded.
Finish with herbs: Fresh parsley or basil boosts color and flavor intensity.
Red pepper flakes: Sprinkle extra on top for a subtle kick, if desired.

Conclusion: A Spring Recipe to Savor

This roasted shrimp and asparagus pasta not only invites bright, fresh flavors onto your table, but it also showcases how simple weeknight dinners can be nutritious and exciting. Pair with seasonal produce, finish with your favorite wine, and enjoy the celebration of spring in every bite. Whether you’re cooking for family or a solo treat, this dish is sure to delight and impress.

References

Author

Sneha TeteBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

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