Go Back Email Link

Creamy Shrimp, Asparagus & Tomato Skillet Pasta

Gari McMellon
A quick, one-skillet creamy shrimp pasta with asparagus and blistered tomatoes. The sauce comes together rich and glossy with cream, cream cheese, and Parmesan, creating a comforting, flavorful dish that’s perfect for an easy weeknight dinner.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Course dinner, Main Course
Cuisine Italian, Mediterranean

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz fettuccine (recommended, or your favorite pasta) I only use unbleached pasta
  • 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 bunch asparagus, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 4-5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tbsp butter, divided
  • 2 tsp onion powder
  • 2 tsp  garlic powder
  • 2 tsp sweet paprika
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/4 tsp white pepper
  • 3/4 cup heavy cream
  • 4 oz cream cheese
  • 1 cups freshly grated Parmesan
  • Fresh basil, chiffonade optional
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan for topping

Instructions
 

  • 1. Start the pasta and prep

    Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package directions, about 14 minutes.
    While the pasta begins cooking:
    Mix together the seasoning blend (onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and white pepper)
    Place a 12-inch cast iron skillet over medium-high heat to preheat
    When the pasta reaches the 7-minute mark, begin cooking in the skillet.

  • 2. Cook the vegetables

    Add to the hot skillet:
    1 tbsp olive oil
    1 tbsp butter
    Add cherry tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
    Add asparagus and cook another 2–3 minutes, until bright green and slightly tender.

  • 3. Add shrimp and seasoning

    Push everything to the edges of the pan.
    Add:
    remaining 1 tbsp butter to the center
    shrimp
    Sprinkle the prepared seasoning blend evenly over everything.
    Toss together and cook for about 1 minute, just until the shrimp begin to turn pink.

  • 4. Build the sauce

    Add garlic and stir for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
    Add:
    cream cheese
    heavy cream
    Parmesan
    Stir until the cream cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth.

  • 5. Finish cooking

    Let the skillet cook for another 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until:
    shrimp are fully cooked
    sauce is slightly thickened
    Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

  • 6. Combine with pasta

    Drain the pasta and add it directly to the skillet.
    Toss until fully coated in the sauce.

  • 7. Finish and serve

    Turn off heat and add fresh basil.
    Top with additional Parmesan and serve immediately.
    • A 12-inch skillet gives enough space for even cooking without overcrowding
    12 oz pasta gives the best sauce-to-pasta ratio
    Use freshly grated Parmesan for a smooth, creamy sauce
Keyword comfort food, one-pot, quick, savory, shrimp
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!