Pasta with Asparagus and Shrimp

Ingredients

12 ounces fresh or frozen medium shrimp in shells
6 ounces dried whole wheat bow tie pasta
12 ounces fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons snipped fresh lemon thyme or thyme, or ½ teaspoon dried thyme, crushed
⅓ cup fat-free half-and-half

Preparation

  1. Thaw shrimp, if frozen. Peel and de-vein shrimp, leaving tails intact if desired. Rinse shrimp; pat dry with paper towels. Set aside. In a large saucepan, cook pasta according to package directions, adding the asparagus for the last 2 minutes of cooking. Drain pasta mixture and return to pan.
  2. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add garlic and dried thyme (if using). Cook and stir for 10 seconds. Add shrimp; cook for 2 to 3 minutes or until shrimp turn opaque, stirring frequently. Stir in half-and-half; reduce heat. Heat through. Remove from heat.
  3. Add shrimp mixture and fresh thyme (if using) to the pasta mixture in pan. Toss to coat. Serve warm.

Pasta with Asparagus and Shrimp