Fresh Herb and Lemon Spring Pasta with Shrimp

Welcome the arrival of spring with this delightful and refreshing pasta dish bursting with the vibrant flavors of fresh herbs and zesty lemon. Perfect for a light lunch or dinner, this recipe combines tender pasta with a medley of seasonal vegetables, tossed in a flavorful herb-infused sauce. Simple yet satisfying, it's sure to become a favorite in your springtime repertoire.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz (about 225g) pasta of your choice (rotini, linguine or fettuccine work well)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup asparagus, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 lb peeled deveined shrimp
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)

Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/4 cup of pasta water.

2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and shrimp and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant and shrimp turns pink.

3. Add the cherry tomatoes asparagus to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are slightly softened.

4. Stir in the fresh spinach leaves and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until wilted.

5. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, along with the lemon zest, lemon juice, chopped basil, and parsley. Toss everything together until well combined.

6. If the pasta seems too dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.

7. Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting as needed.

8. Serve the spring pasta hot, garnished with additional fresh herbs and grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

9. Enjoy your springtime feast!

This fresh herb and lemon spring pasta is a celebration of seasonal ingredients, bringing together the bright flavors of spring in a delicious and satisfying dish. Enjoy the bounty of the season with every flavorful bite!