Creamy Garlic Shrimp and Asparagus Penne
Indulge in this decadent Creamy Garlic Shrimp and Asparagus Penne, a luxurious pasta dish that combines the rich flavors of garlic, butter, and creamy Alfredo sauce with tender shrimp and vibrant asparagus. This dish is perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in, promising to satisfy your cravings while filling your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas. Despite its indulgence, each bite melts in your mouth, bringing together the freshness of asparagus and the savory taste of Parmesan, creating a symphony of flavors that will impress even the pickiest eaters. A true comfort food that’s not for the calorie-conscious but perfect for those who want to treat themselves!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
uncooked penne pasta
3 cups (Cook according to package directions, then drain.)
heavy cream
2 cups (Use as is.)
cooked frozen shrimp
1 lb (Thaw and remove tails.)
salted butter
3/4 cup (Divide into portions as indicated in the recipe.)
asparagus
2 cups (Chop into bite-sized pieces.)
Parmesan cheese
1 1/2 cups (Grated, reserve some for garnish.)
minced garlic
5 tablespoons (Use fresh or jarred garlic.)
olive oil
1 tablespoon (Use as is.)
salt
to taste (Adjust according to personal preference.)
pepper
to taste (Adjust according to personal preference.)
Instructions
1
Begin by cooking the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and 1/4 cup of butter over medium heat. Once melted, add 2 tablespoons of minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3
Add the chopped asparagus and thawed shrimp to the skillet, seasoning lightly with salt and pepper. Cook on low heat, stirring occasionally, until the asparagus is tender and the shrimp is heated through.
4
In a separate large skillet, melt the remaining 1/2 cup of butter over medium heat. Add the heavy cream, 3 tablespoons of minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir frequently and bring to a gentle simmer.
5
Slowly whisk in the Parmesan cheese, continuing to stir for 2-3 minutes until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened. Remove from heat.
6
Combine the drained pasta with the creamy Alfredo sauce and the shrimp-asparagus mixture. Gently toss to coat all ingredients evenly.
7
Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and freshly cracked pepper if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this dish?
The dish is called Creamy Garlic Shrimp and Asparagus Penne.
What are the primary flavors of this recipe?
The dish features rich flavors of garlic, butter, creamy Alfredo sauce, shrimp, and fresh asparagus.
How much penne pasta is required?
You will need 3 cups of uncooked penne pasta.
How much heavy cream should I use?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of heavy cream.
What type of shrimp is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 1 lb of cooked frozen shrimp that has been thawed with tails removed.
How much butter is needed in total?
A total of 3/4 cup of salted butter is required, divided during the cooking process.
How should the asparagus be prepared?
The 2 cups of asparagus should be chopped into bite-sized pieces.
How much Parmesan cheese is included?
The recipe uses 1 1/2 cups of grated Parmesan cheese, with some reserved for garnish.
How much garlic is needed for the entire dish?
A total of 5 tablespoons of minced garlic is used throughout the recipe.
What kind of oil is used for sautéing?
One tablespoon of olive oil is used to sauté the garlic and vegetables.
How should the penne pasta be cooked?
Cook the pasta according to the package directions until it is al dente.
How long should I sauté the garlic initially?
Sauté the minced garlic in olive oil and butter for 1-2 minutes until it becomes fragrant.
At what heat should the shrimp and asparagus be cooked?
They should be cooked on low heat, stirring occasionally, until tender and heated through.
How do I start the Alfredo sauce?
Melt 1/2 cup of butter over medium heat, then add heavy cream, garlic, salt, and pepper.
How do I thicken the creamy sauce?
Slowly whisk in the Parmesan cheese and stir for 2-3 minutes until the sauce is smooth and thickened.
When should I remove the sauce from the heat?
Remove the sauce from the heat once it has become smooth and slightly thickened.
How do I combine the dish?
Toss the drained pasta with the Alfredo sauce and the shrimp-asparagus mixture until evenly coated.
What are the suggested garnishes?
Garnish the dish with additional Parmesan cheese and freshly cracked pepper if desired.
Is this recipe suitable for those on a diet?
This dish is described as decadent and indulgent, noting it is not specifically for the calorie-conscious.
What type of cuisine is this recipe?
This recipe is categorized as Italian cuisine.
Can I use fresh garlic?
Yes, you can use either fresh or jarred minced garlic.
Is this considered a comfort food?
Yes, it is described as a true comfort food.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 10 ingredients required for this recipe.
Should the shrimp be cooked or raw when starting?
The recipe specifies using cooked frozen shrimp that are then thawed.
What is the first instruction step?
Begin by cooking the penne pasta until al dente and then drain it.
How should I season the shrimp and asparagus?
Season them lightly with salt and pepper while they cook in the skillet.
What is the texture of the finished sauce?
The sauce should be smooth, creamy, and slightly thickened.
How much garlic goes specifically into the sauce skillet?
3 tablespoons of minced garlic are added to the sauce skillet.
Is the shrimp cooked on high heat?
No, the shrimp and asparagus are cooked on low heat.
Is this an easy recipe to follow?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe suitable for a special occasion or a cozy night in.