Garlic Butter Shrimp and Asparagus Pasta Recipe

Give it up, my sweet friend! You cannot resist the sizzle, the aroma, the absolute magic of this Garlic Butter Shrimp and Asparagus Pasta. Come to Mama! If you love the combo of shrimp and asparagus, you must try my Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp Packets with Asparagus for a super easy, no-mess meal.

This is the dinner that dreams are made of. It’s the one you crave on a busy Tuesday and feel fancy serving on a Saturday night. It’s my ultimate weeknight hero, and I am so obsessed I could eat it every single day.

We’re talking plump, juicy shrimp. Crisp-tender asparagus. All tangled up in the most glorious, garlicky, buttery sauce. It coats every strand of pasta in pure happiness. Are you ready? Let’s do this!

Recipe Overview

• Cuisine: Italian-American
• Category: Main Course
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4

Do You Love This Recipe Too?

I fell head-over-heels for this dish on a random spring evening. I had some shrimp, a bunch of asparagus, and a serious need for comfort.

What I whipped up felt like a revelation. It was faster than takeout and tasted like a restaurant splurge. Now, it’s my go-to for impressing guests with zero stress. The look on their faces with that first bite? Priceless.

My Shopping List for This Recipe

This recipe is all about simple, fresh ingredients that sing together. Here’s what I always grab for the best flavor.

You want big, beautiful shrimp and bright, snappy asparagus. The rest is probably already in your pantry. Easy!

Let’s Get Your Ingredients Ready

Mise en place, friends! Having everything prepped makes this 30-minute meal a total breeze. No frantic searching for the lemon juice! For another fantastic 30-minute option, check out my Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp & Asparagus Foil Packets.

• 12 oz angel hair pasta (or spaghetti)
• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 lb asparagus, woody ends trimmed, cut into 2-inch pieces
• 6 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
• 8 cloves garlic, minced (Yes, eight! Trust me.)
• 1/2 cup dry white wine (like Pinot Grigio)
• 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
• Juice of 1 large lemon
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Bringing This Recipe to Life (Step-by-Step)

Okay, team! Fire up the stove. This comes together so fast, you’ll want to read all the steps first. Let’s make some magic.

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions for al dente. Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. This is liquid gold for our sauce!
2. While the pasta cooks, pat the shrimp very dry. Season them well with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat.
3. Add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook for just 1-2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Don’t overcrowd them! Remove to a plate and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add 2 more tablespoons of butter. Toss in the asparagus pieces. Cook for 3-4 minutes, until they’re bright green and crisp-tender. Remove them to the plate with the shrimp.
5. Reduce heat to medium. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook for just 30-60 seconds until fragrant—do not let it burn!
6. Pour in the white wine and broth. Scrape up all those delicious browned bits from the pan. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
7. Stir in the lemon juice. Then, add the drained pasta directly into the skillet. Toss it all together so the pasta drinks up that amazing sauce.
8. Add the Parmesan cheese and a splash of the reserved pasta water. Toss, toss, toss! The pasta water helps create a silky, luxurious sauce that clings to every strand.
9. Gently fold the cooked shrimp and asparagus back into the pasta. Heat through for just a minute. Finish with the fresh parsley and give it one final, glorious toss.
10. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan cheese. Get ready for the compliments to roll in!

Fun Variations to Try Next Time

Once you master the base recipe, play around! It’s so flexible. Here are my favorite twists.

Add a handful of cherry tomatoes in with the asparagus. They burst and add a sweet acidity.

Swap the asparagus for broccoli florets or fresh spinach. For a richer sauce, stir in a 1/4 cup of heavy cream at the very end.

How to Store, Freeze, and Reheat

Got leftovers? Lucky you! They reheat beautifully for lunch the next day.

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a tiny splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. I don’t recommend freezing this one, as the pasta and asparagus can get mushy.

NUTRITION INFORMATION

• Calories: ~580
• Carbohydrates: 55g
• Protein: 35g
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 4g

*This is an estimate per serving, calculated with the ingredients listed.

A Quick Q&A on This Recipe

I get asked these all the time! Here are my quick, personal answers.

Can I make this without wine?

Absolutely! Just use an extra 1/2 cup of broth and add an extra tablespoon of lemon juice. It will still be incredibly delicious.

What’s the best shrimp to use?

I always look for large, wild-caught shrimp. They have the best flavor and texture. Thaw frozen shrimp overnight in the fridge for the best results.

My sauce seems thin. Help!

No panic! Let it simmer for another minute or two. The pasta will continue to absorb it. You can also add a little more Parmesan. It will thicken up perfectly.

And there you have it! My absolute favorite spring dinner, seafood pasta, shrimp scampi-adjacent miracle in a bowl. If you’re looking for another quick and delicious way to enjoy this flavor combo, my recipe for Juicy Garlic Butter Shrimp & Crispy Asparagus in 30 Min is a must-try.

It’s fast, fancy, and packed with flavor that will make you feel like a total kitchen rockstar. This dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Please leave a comment and a rating below to let me know what you think!