Heartwarming Creamy Asparagus Pasta Recipe for Cozy Nights

Springtime calls for a delightful asparagus pasta that bursts with fresh, vibrant flavors and creamy goodness.

This simple yet elegant creamy asparagus pasta recipe brings together tender green spears and silky sauce in a harmonious dance of taste.

Crisp asparagus mingles perfectly with al dente pasta, creating a light and satisfying meal that feels both luxurious and wholesome.

Each forkful delivers a delicate balance of textures and rich, comforting notes that sing of seasonal delights.

Parmesan cheese adds a nutty depth while garlic provides a subtle warmth to the dish.

Quick to prepare and impossible to resist, this pasta promises to become a springtime favorite that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Get ready to savor a restaurant-worthy meal right in your own kitchen.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 475 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients You’ll Need for Creamy Asparagus Pasta

• Linguine: Provides the perfect canvas for the creamy sauce, choose fresh pasta for best texture and flavor.

• Shrimp: Adds succulent maritime sweetness, select medium-sized shrimp with firm, translucent appearance for optimal freshness.

• Asparagus: Brings springtime crunch and earthy elegance, look for bright green stalks with tight, compact tips.
• Chives: Delivers delicate onion-like zest, pick vibrant green stems without wilting.
• Garlic: Offers aromatic depth, choose firm bulbs without soft spots or sprouting.

• Butter: Creates rich, silky foundation, select high-quality unsalted butter for controlled seasoning.
• Half and Half: Ensures luxurious, smooth consistency, opt for fresh, full-bodied cream.
• Pecorino Cheese: Introduces sharp, salty complexity, select aged variety for robust flavor.

• Sea Salt: Enhances natural ingredients' flavors, use sparingly and taste as you go.
• Black Pepper: Provides subtle warmth and final flavor punch, freshly ground yields best results.

Tools for Cooking Pasta and Sauce Together

• Large Pot: Essential for boiling linguine perfectly and creating a well-salted cooking base.
• Sharp Paring Knife: Crucial for precisely cutting asparagus into thin, elegant strips.
• Deep-Sided Skillet: Allows even cooking of asparagus and shrimp while creating a rich cream sauce.
• Cutting Board: Provides a stable surface for preparing asparagus and chopping herbs.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Helps stir and fold ingredients smoothly during cooking.
• Pasta Strainer: Useful for draining linguine and reserving cooking water.
• Shallow Bowls: Perfect for serving and presenting the creamy pasta dish attractively.

Steps to Make Creamy Asparagus Pasta

Asparagus Pasta Paradise

• Fresh Veggie Prep

Rinse asparagus thoroughly under cool water. Gently snap off the tough bottom sections, creating tender, delicate strips perfect for your pasta adventure.

• Pasta Perfection

Boil a pot of salted water and cook linguine until it reaches that magical al dente moment – tender yet pleasantly firm. Keep a splash of cooking water for later magic.

• Asparagus Sizzle

In a spacious skillet, dance butter across the surface over medium-high heat. Toss asparagus into the pan, letting them soften and transform into a vibrant emerald green treasure.

• Seafood Sensation

Slide succulent shrimp into the same skillet, allowing them to turn a gorgeous pink and develop golden edges that whisper of deliciousness.

• Creamy Dream Sauce

Lower the heat and welcome garlic and chives into the pan. Pour in rich half and half, sprinkle Pecorino cheese, and watch the sauce transform into a luxurious blanket for your ingredients.

• Elegant Assembly

Twirl linguine into beautiful bowls, cascade the creamy sauce over top, and crown with your perfectly cooked shrimp and asparagus. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh chives and a whisper of black pepper.

Tips for Sauce Thickness and Add-Ins

• Swap shrimp with tender chicken breast or grilled salmon for a protein-packed alternative.
• Replace asparagus with fresh spring vegetables like tender green beans or sweet peas during different times of the year to keep the recipe exciting and adaptable.
• Create a lighter version by substituting half and half with coconut milk and using nutritional yeast instead of Pecorino cheese for a creamy, plant-based sauce.
• Toast pine nuts or sliced almonds in a dry skillet until golden, then sprinkle over the finished pasta for a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that complements the creamy sauce.
• Experiment with fresh herbs like tarragon, dill, or basil to add unexpected depth and brightness to the dish, transforming the flavor profile with just a simple swap.

Serving Creamy Pasta With a Fresh Twist

• Coastal Dinner Party Plating: Create an elegant seafood dining experience by arranging linguine in wide, shallow white plates. Artfully drape shrimp and asparagus spears across the pasta, allowing the creamy sauce to peek through.
• Wine Pairing Magic: Select a crisp, chilled sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio to complement the delicate seafood and asparagus flavors. The wine's bright acidity will cut through the richness of the cream sauce.
• Rustic Side Companions: Serve with crusty sourdough bread to soak up the extra sauce. A light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette provides a fresh, peppery contrast to the creamy pasta dish.
• Garnish Garden: Sprinkle additional chive blossoms or fresh chopped chives for a pop of color and mild onion flavor. A final grind of black pepper adds depth and visual interest to the plated dish.

How to Save Leftover Asparagus Pasta

• Fridge Storage Magic: Keep leftover pasta in an airtight container for up to 3 days, separating sauce and noodles to maintain texture and prevent soggy disappointment.
• Quick Reheat Trick: Gently warm pasta in a skillet with a splash of half and half, stirring slowly to revive creamy consistency without breaking down delicate ingredients.
• Smart Ingredient Prep: Chop asparagus and clean shrimp ahead of time, storing separately in sealed containers in the refrigerator for streamlined cooking during busy weeknights.
• Freezing Caution: Cream-based sauces can separate when frozen, so enjoy this dish fresh for the best flavor and most luxurious dining experience.

Silky Asparagus Pasta Recipe

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4.7 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Homemade creamy asparagus pasta brings Italian countryside comfort to kitchens worldwide. Rich parmesan and fresh asparagus spears create delightful harmony while inviting you to savor each comforting bite.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb (454 g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 lb (454 g) asparagus
• ½ lb (227 g) linguine
• 4 tbsps (57 g) unsalted butter
• ½ cup (120 ml) half and half
• ½ cup (50 g) grated pecorino cheese
• 3 tbsps (45 ml) minced garlic (2 to 3 cloves)
• 2 tbsps (6 g) minced chives
• 4 chive blossoms
• Coarse sea salt
• Freshly ground pepper

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Instructions

1. Prep Ingredients: Thoroughly rinse asparagus under cold water, removing any debris. Trim woody ends and slice stalks into thin, elegant strips for even cooking.
2. Pasta Preparation: Bring a generously salted water pot to a rolling boil. Cook linguine until al dente, reserving a cup of starchy cooking liquid for later sauce adjustment.
3. Asparagus Sautéing: In a large skillet, melt butter and quickly sauté asparagus in two batches. Cook until vibrant green and slightly tender, about 3-4 minutes per batch. Transfer to a holding plate.
4. Shrimp Searing: Using the same skillet, cook shrimp in two portions. Season with sea salt and cook until pink with golden edges, approximately 2 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
5. Sauce Creation: Reduce heat and add remaining butter. Briefly sauté garlic and chives for one minute. Pour in half and half, whisking constantly to create a smooth, creamy base.
6. Sauce Finishing: Incorporate Pecorino cheese into the cream sauce, stirring until completely melted and integrated. Gently fold in previously cooked asparagus and shrimp.
7. Plating: Twirl linguine into serving bowls, cascading the rich cream sauce over the pasta. Use reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed.
8. Final Touch: Sprinkle chive blossom petals and crack fresh black pepper over the dish. Serve immediately while hot and aromatic.

Notes

• Prep Asparagus Carefully: Remove grit by soaking in cold water and slice stalks uniformly to ensure even cooking and elegant presentation.
• Master Pasta Water Technique: Reserve starchy cooking liquid as a secret weapon to adjust sauce consistency and enhance overall flavor and texture.
• Batch Cooking is Key: Sauté asparagus and shrimp in separate batches to maintain high heat and prevent overcrowding, which ensures perfect caramelization and color.
• Sauce Smoothing Trick: Gradually whisk half and half into the pan and incorporate Pecorino slowly to prevent sauce separation and achieve a silky, creamy texture.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 475
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 550 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 200 mg