Introducing a delightful culinary creation: Shrimp and Asparagus Fettuccine, a tantalizing pasta dish that embodies the essence of summer evenings with its zesty lemon-garlic dressing. 🍤🍋🌿 Crafted to perfection in just 15 minutes from start to finish, this recipe promises a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave your taste buds craving for more. With a prep time of just 10 minutes and a cook time of a mere 5 minutes, this dish is not only a culinary masterpiece but also a time-saving hero for those busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you crave something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
Let’s delve into the culinary journey of creating this masterpiece.
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|
| 10 mins | 5 mins | 15 mins |
To begin, gather your ingredients. You will need:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 pound fettuccine pasta
- 1/2 pound asparagus, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Freshly ground pepper, to taste
Now, let’s embark on the culinary journey:
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Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, and salt until well combined. This vibrant dressing will infuse the dish with a burst of citrusy flavor and aromatic garlic notes.
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Cook the Fettuccine: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine pasta and cook it for 3 to 5 minutes, or until it reaches the perfect al dente texture. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside, keeping it warm.
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Steam the Asparagus: While the pasta is cooking, steam the asparagus until it reaches a crisp-tender texture, which usually takes about 4 minutes. This ensures that the asparagus retains its vibrant color and crunch, adding a fresh and nutritious element to the dish.
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Prepare the Shrimp: In a separate pot of boiling water, briefly heat the shrimp for approximately 1 minute until they turn pink and opaque. Once done, drain the shrimp and set them aside.
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Combine the Ingredients: In a large preheated bowl, toss together the cooked fettuccine, steamed asparagus, and boiled shrimp until they are evenly distributed. This step allows the ingredients to meld together, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.
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Drizzle with Dressing: Pour the prepared lemon-garlic dressing over the pasta, shrimp, and asparagus mixture, ensuring that it coats every strand of fettuccine and every succulent shrimp. This step adds a burst of tangy flavor and moistness to the dish, elevating it to culinary excellence.
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Add Parmesan and Pepper: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the dressed pasta and then grind freshly ground pepper to taste. These final touches not only enhance the flavor profile but also add a touch of elegance to the presentation.
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Garnish and Serve: Finish the dish by sprinkling it with freshly chopped parsley, adding a vibrant pop of color and herbaceous freshness. Serve the Shrimp and Asparagus Fettuccine immediately, allowing your guests to indulge in its irresistible flavors and textures.
With each forkful, savor the succulent shrimp, crisp-tender asparagus, and al dente fettuccine, all enveloped in a luscious lemon-garlic dressing. Whether enjoyed as a quick weeknight dinner or showcased as the star of a summer gathering, this dish is sure to impress even the most discerning palates. So, gather your ingredients and embark on a culinary adventure that will delight your senses and leave you craving for more.
