Oh boy, do I have a treat for you! Let me tell you about my latest kitchen adventure that brought a burst of color and flavor right to my dinner table. We’re making **Shrimp Asparagus Carbonara**, and let me just say, it’s the kind of dish that makes you feel like a gourmet chef without spending hours in the kitchen. I whipped this up one evening after a long day, and not only did it satisfy my cravings, but it also filled my kitchen with such a delightful aroma that I started contemplating my future as a restaurant owner!
This recipe is special to me because it incorporates fresh, vibrant veggies with succulent shrimp, all tossed together with whole wheat spaghetti and a creamy, cheesy dressing. It’s light yet indulgent, and perfect for summer evenings or cozy winter nights. Trust me, once you give this a whirl, you’ll want to make it on repeat!
What’s in Shrimp Asparagus Carbonara?
Let’s dive into the wonderful ingredients that come together to create this delightful dish:
Whole Wheat Spaghetti: The base of our carbonara! I love using whole wheat spaghetti for its nutty flavor and added fiber. It’s a healthier option without compromising on taste.
Shrimp: Large shrimp, peeled and deveined, are the stars of the show. They cook quickly and take on flavors beautifully. I usually go for wild-caught shrimp when available; it just feels right.
Asparagus: Fresh asparagus adds a pop of color and a crunch that compliments the softness of the pasta. I’ll often sauté it until it’s vibrant green but still crisp.
Bell Peppers: A medley of red, yellow, and green bell peppers gets tossed in to brighten the dish and adds a sweet flavor that pairs wonderfully with the shrimp.
Zucchini: Diced finely, zucchini adds another layer of texture and is a great way to sneak in some extra veggies.
Onion and Garlic: These are my go-to flavor enhancers! I sauté them first to build a fragrant foundation for the dish.
Eggs: Mixed with Parmesan to create that signature carbonara creaminess. Be careful not to scramble; we’re looking for a silky sauce!
Parmesan Cheese: Because let’s be real, cheese makes everything better. I always use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor.
Olive Oil: A splash of olive oil helps sauté the veggies and shrimp. I prefer extra virgin for its rich flavor.
Fresh Parsley: This is more than a garnish; it adds a nice herbaceous freshness to finish the dish beautifully.
Is Shrimp Asparagus Carbonara Good for You?
Now, let’s chat about the health benefits because who doesn’t love a dish that tastes amazing and is good for you? The fact that we’re using whole wheat spaghetti means we’re boosting our fiber intake, which is fantastic for digestion.
Shrimp: They’re low in calories and high in protein, making this dish satisfying without weighing you down. Plus, they’re rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for heart health.
Asparagus: Loaded with vitamins A, C, and K, asparagus is a fantastic green to incorporate into your diet. It’s also a natural diuretic – perfect for those days when you feel a bit bloated.
Eggs and Parmesan: While eggs are a great source of protein and vitamins, we must remember that cheese, even though tasty, should be consumed in moderation due to its fat and sodium content. But hey, a little cheese never hurt!
That said, if you’re keeping an eye on calories, feel free to dial back the cheese or substitute with a lighter version.
Ingredients
– 8 ounces whole wheat spaghetti
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1 cup asparagus, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1 cup bell peppers (red, yellow, green), diced
– 1 medium zucchini, diced
– 1 small onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 3 large eggs
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
– Additional Parmesan cheese for serving
This recipe serves about 4, depending on how hungry you are!
How to Make Shrimp Asparagus Carbonara?
Ready to get cooking? Here’s a straightforward guide to whip up this delicious plate:
1. Cook the whole wheat spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant (about 2-3 minutes).
3. Add the diced bell peppers and zucchini to the skillet. Cook for another 4-5 minutes until they soften slightly.
4. Stir in the asparagus pieces and shrimp. Season with salt and pepper, and cook until the shrimp turn pink and are cooked through (around 4-5 minutes).
5. In a bowl, whisk together the eggs and grated Parmesan cheese until well combined.
6. Remove the skillet from heat and immediately add the cooked spaghetti, tossing to combine with the vegetable and shrimp mixture.
7. Pour the egg and cheese mixture over the pasta, quickly tossing everything together. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time to create a creamy sauce. The heat from the pasta will cook the eggs gently.
8. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy your Shrimp Asparagus Carbonara!
Make It Your Own!
Got some leftover veggies? Toss ’em in! You can also swap out the shrimp for grilled chicken or even go vegetarian by skipping the meat altogether. Feeling spicy? A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a lovely kick.
And if you’re feeling fancy, a sprinkle of lemon zest right before serving can brighten up the flavors even more!
I hope you give this vibrant Shrimp Asparagus Carbonara a shot! It’s such a delightful dish that’s perfect for impressing friends or just treating yourself. I’d love to hear how it turns out, so please share your experience or any fun twists you made! Happy cooking!
