Oh my goodness, let me tell you about one of my absolute favorite meals: Shrimp Asparagus Carbonara! There’s just something about the combination of creamy sauce, perfectly cooked shrimp, and crisp veggies that makes my heart sing. Every time I make this dish, I’m reminded of cozy family dinners and the laughter that fills the kitchen while we dig into something delicious. Plus, it’s so colorful thanks to the fresh vegetables that I can’t help but feel like a gourmet chef!
This dish is a convenient and yummy way to enjoy a hearty meal without spending all day in the kitchen. Trust me, after just one bite, you’ll understand exactly why I keep coming back to this recipe. Ready to dive in? Let’s make this gorgeous pasta dish together!
What’s in Shrimp Asparagus Carbonara?
Spaghetti or Whole Wheat Pasta: The backbone of this dish, I love using whole wheat pasta for added fiber; either option works well, so choose your favorite!
Shrimp: I always prefer using fresh shrimp, but frozen works too. Just make sure they are peeled and deveined—easy peasy!
Asparagus: This veggie adds a delightful crunch and freshness. I cut it into 1-inch pieces so it’s easy to mix in with the pasta.
Bell Peppers: I use a colorful mix of red, yellow, and green for that pop of color! They’re sweet and delicious; not to mention they look amazing on the plate.
Zucchini: Diced zucchini adds a nice texture. It’s subtly sweet and cooks up beautifully.
Garlic: I’m a garlic lover, and two cloves are just enough to give a fragrant kick without overdoing it.
Onion: A small diced onion adds sweetness and depth. It’s the perfect companion to the garlicky goodness.
Eggs: The heart of the carbonara sauce! They create a rich and creamy texture that’s just divine.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated cheese brings everything together with its salty, nutty flavor. I like to reserve some for extra sprinkling at the end!
Olive Oil: A good quality olive oil is key for sautéing. It adds flavor and helps to cook everything just right.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning, don’t forget to taste along the way!
Fresh Parsley: This is for garnish—just a sprinkle adds a fresh crispness to the dish.
Red Pepper Flakes: Optional, but they bring just the right amount of spice if you’re feeling a little adventurous!
Is Shrimp Asparagus Carbonara Good for You?
Absolutely! This dish not only satisfies your taste buds but also brings a mix of great nutrients to the table.
Shrimp: A fantastic source of lean protein, shrimp is low in calories and packed with vitamins and minerals, making it a great choice for a healthy meal.
Asparagus: This green veggie is loaded with antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber, making it a nutritious addition that aids digestion.
Whole Wheat Pasta: If you opt for whole wheat, you’re getting a boost of fiber, which can help with heart health and digestion.
Now, while this dish is downright delicious, it’s important to enjoy it in moderation. The sauce with eggs and cheese can be rich, so just be mindful of portion sizes—unless you want to indulge! I’ve definitely had my share of spaghetti nights where my eyes were bigger than my stomach!
Ingredients List
– 8 oz spaghetti or whole wheat pasta
– 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1 cup asparagus, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1 cup bell peppers (red, yellow, and green), diced
– 1 small zucchini, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup onion, diced
– 2 large eggs
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
– Red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
*Serves: 4*
How to Make Shrimp Asparagus Carbonara?
1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and reserve about 1 cup of pasta water—this is liquid gold for the sauce!
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, sautéing until the onion is translucent—this only takes a few minutes, but oh, the aroma!
3. Toss in the diced bell peppers and zucchini. Cook these beauties for about 5 minutes until they soften just a bit.
4. Time to add the asparagus! Stir it in and let it cook for another 3-4 minutes, so it’s tender yet still has a little crunch to it.
5. Now it’s shrimp time! Add them to the skillet and cook until they turn pink and opaque, which should take about 3-4 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and those red pepper flakes if you’re feeling spicy.
6. In a bowl, whisk together the eggs and Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy. Doesn’t that sound good already?
7. Once the veggies and shrimp are all cooked up, add the drained pasta to the skillet. Remove from the heat, then quickly pour the egg and cheese mixture over the pasta. Toss thoroughly to combine while the pasta is still hot. If the sauce seems too thick, don’t fret! Just add reserved pasta water a little at a time until you get your desired consistency.
8. Serve immediately, garnishing with extra Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. Dig in and enjoy every bite!
Make It Your Own!
Don’t hesitate to put your twist on this dish! Try adding in your favorite vegetables like spinach or broccoli, or swap out the shrimp for chicken or tofu if you want something different. You can also adjust the spice level to your liking or even serve it with some crusty bread to soak up that creamy sauce.
I hope you give this Shrimp Asparagus Carbonara a try! It’s truly a fantastic dish that brings a little joy to any dinner table. I’d love to hear how yours turns out, so don’t hesitate to share your experience or any fun variations you tried! Happy cooking!
