A creamy, dreamy bowl of pasta with shrimp, asparagus, and a smooth béchamel sauce.
Prep Time15 minutesmins
Cook Time30 minutesmins
Total Time45 minutesmins
Course: Main
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Easy
Servings: 4servings
Ingredients
Pasta
12ouncesCasarecce pastaor another pasta that holds sauce well
Aromatics
2tablespoonsUnsalted butter
1tablespoonFreshly minced garlicdivided
1unitShallotfinely diced (about 1/4 to 1/2 cup)
0.5poundFresh asparagustrimmed and cut into 1" pieces
Seasoning
Sea saltto taste
Fresh black pepperto taste
Sauce
7ouncesBrie cheesediced (remove the rind first)
1poundShrimpcooked, peeled, and deveined
Garnish
Parmesan cheesefor garnish
Freshly chopped parsleyfor garnish
Crushed red pepper flakesfor garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta - Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the casarecce pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics - In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add half of the minced garlic and the diced shallots. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until the shallots become translucent and fragrant.
Step 3: Add Asparagus - Stir in the asparagus pieces into the skillet. Season with sea salt and fresh black pepper, then cook for about 4-5 minutes, or until the asparagus is bright green and tender-crisp.
Step 4: Incorporate the Béchamel Sauce - Reduce the heat to low and pour in the prepared béchamel sauce. Stir well to combine all the ingredients, then add the diced Brie cheese. Mix until the cheese melts into the sauce and the texture becomes creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency.
Step 5: Add Shrimp and Pasta - Gently fold in the cooked shrimp into the sauce mixture, allowing the shrimp to heat through. Finally, add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together, ensuring each piece of pasta is well-coated with the delicious sauce.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish - To serve, plate the pasta and generously sprinkle with freshly grated parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for an added kick. Enjoy your Shrimp and Asparagus Pasta while hot and fresh!
Equipment
Large Pot
Large Skillet
Notes
Leftover Shrimp and Asparagus Pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the pasta in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or extra béchamel to keep it moist.