Spicy Shrimp Penne with Asparagus and Crispy Almond Panko

If you’re craving a pasta dish that’s both comforting and exciting, this spicy shrimp penne with asparagus is the answer. Tender shrimp and crisp-tender asparagus are tossed with penne in a luscious garlic herb butter and cream cheese sauce, then finished with a crunchy almond and chili panko topping. It’s a restaurant-quality meal you can make at home in under 35 minutes.

The combination of creamy sauce, fresh vegetables and a spicy, nutty crunch makes every bite interesting. Plus, it’s a great way to use seasonal asparagus and get your seafood fix. Serve it with lemon wedges for a bright finish.

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Ingredients

6 ounce AsparagusView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 tablespoon Cream CheeseView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 unit LemonView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

10 ounce ShrimpView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

6 ounce Penne PastaView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

3 tablespoon Parmesan CheeseView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 tablespoon Garlic Herb ButterView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 unit TomatoView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

0.25 cup Panko BreadcrumbsView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 teaspoon Chili FlakesView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 unit ScallionsView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

0.5 ounce Sliced AlmondsView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

teaspoon (tsp) SaltView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

3 teaspoon (tsp) Olive OilView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 teaspoon (tsp) Cooking OilView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 tablespoon (tbsp) ButterView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

teaspoon (tsp) Black PepperView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add penne and cook until al dente, 9-11 minutes. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
2. While pasta cooks, prepare the vegetables: zest and quarter the lemon. Trim and discard woody ends from asparagus, then cut into 1-inch pieces. Dice the tomato. Thinly slice scallions, separating whites from greens.
3. Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add panko and sliced almonds; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring, until golden brown, 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat, stir in a pinch of lemon zest and a pinch of chili flakes. Transfer to a small bowl.
4. Heat a drizzle of olive oil in the same pan over medium-high heat. Add asparagus and cook until bright green and tender, 2-4 minutes. Add tomato and cook until slightly softened, 1-2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Meanwhile, rinse shrimp and pat dry. Season with salt and pepper. Heat a drizzle of oil in a separate pan over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook until pink and cooked through, 4-6 minutes.
6. Add drained penne, garlic herb butter, cream cheese, half the Parmesan and ⅓ cup reserved pasta water to the pan with vegetables. Stir until well combined and creamy. Season with salt and pepper.
7. Add scallion whites, remaining lemon zest, 1 tablespoon butter and remaining chili flakes (to taste) to the pasta. Cook, stirring, until everything is coated, 1-2 minutes. Add more pasta water if needed. Remove from heat, stir in a squeeze of lemon juice. Taste and adjust seasoning.
8. Stir in cooked shrimp and scallion whites. Divide pasta among bowls. Top with panko mixture, remaining Parmesan, a drizzle of olive oil and scallion greens. Serve with lemon wedges.

Recipe Tips

FAQ

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking to ensure they sear properly.

What can I substitute for asparagus?

Broccoli or green beans work well as substitutes; adjust cooking time as needed.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta and panko. Check all other ingredients for gluten.