Shrimp Asparagus Carbonara

Shrimp asparagus carbonara was the result of one of those “clean out the fridge” nights when I had just a handful of asparagus spears and some frozen shrimp so I decided to get creative with a creamy carbonara twist and to my surprise it turned out so flavorful that it became an instant family favorite.

I love how this dish feels fancy but comes together so quickly because the richness of the carbonara sauce pairs beautifully with the freshness of asparagus and the tender shrimp so it’s a go-to when I want something that feels restaurant-worthy but without the fuss of leaving the house.

Ingredients :

Here’s what I use for this recipe. You can always make substitutions if you prefer!

• Shrimp – Adds a delicate, savory seafood flavor and pairs well with creamy sauces
• Asparagus – Brings freshness, crunch, and color to balance the richness
• Spaghetti or linguine – Acts as the hearty base that soaks up the sauce
• Egg yolks – The key to a velvety, traditional carbonara-style sauce
• Parmesan cheese – Melts into the sauce for creamy, nutty flavor
• Garlic – Boosts the overall flavor and depth
• Olive oil – Used to sauté the shrimp and vegetables
• Salt and black pepper – Essential seasonings to taste
• Crushed red pepper flakes (optional) – Adds a gentle kick if desired

Tools You’ll Need

• Large Pot – For boiling the pasta until perfectly al dente
• Skillet or Sauté Pan – Used to cook the shrimp and asparagus
• Mixing Bowl – To whisk together the egg yolks and cheese
• Tongs – Help mix the sauce evenly into the hot pasta
• Strainer – Drains the pasta while saving some of the starchy water
• Microplane or Grater – To finely grate Parmesan into the sauce

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

I start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cooking the pasta until al dente. I make sure to reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining.

Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp and Asparagus

While the pasta cooks, I heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat then add the garlic followed by the shrimp and asparagus. I cook them for about 4–5 minutes until the shrimp is pink and the asparagus is just tender.

Step 3: Make the Carbonara Base

In a bowl, I whisk together the egg yolks, grated Parmesan, salt, and black pepper. I set this aside while everything else finishes cooking.

Step 4: Combine Everything

With the pasta still hot, I add it back to the pot or skillet off the heat then I quickly stir in the egg mixture while tossing the pasta vigorously. I add splashes of reserved pasta water as needed to create a silky, glossy sauce that clings to every strand.

Step 5: Toss in Shrimp and Asparagus

I gently fold in the cooked shrimp and asparagus, making sure everything is coated well with the creamy sauce.

Step 6: Serve

I serve the carbonara immediately with extra Parmesan on top and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little heat if desired.

Tips

I always take the skillet off the heat before adding the egg mixture to avoid scrambling the eggs. If I’m feeling fancy I sometimes use pancetta or bacon along with shrimp for a surf-and-turf twist. And don’t skip the pasta water it’s the secret to getting the sauce perfectly creamy!

Ways to Serve

I love serving this dish with a crisp green salad and a piece of garlic bread for a complete meal. It’s also great on its own for a cozy date night or elevated weeknight dinner. Leftovers can be reheated gently with a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen shrimp for shrimp asparagus carbonara?

Yes! I just thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking. They work great and still turn out tender and flavorful.

Can I make this without asparagus?

Absolutely. You can sub in peas, spinach, or even broccoli depending on what you have on hand.

Do I need cream in carbonara?

Traditional carbonara doesn’t use cream. The egg yolks and cheese create the creamy texture when mixed with hot pasta and starchy water.

See You in the Kitchen

I hope you try this shrimp asparagus carbonara recipe soon! It’s creamy, comforting, and packed with fresh flavor that makes every bite feel special. Let me know how it turns out or what fun variations you add!

Happy Cooking!

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