This tasty pasta dish is incredibly simple to make, and can be whipped up in 15 minutes.

8 oz (240g) dried spaghetti

12 asparagus spears, woody ends removed and spears halved

3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

2 cloves garlic—finely chopped

24 precooked peeled shrimp

1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

1 teaspoon sea salt

Lemon wedges for squeezing

BRING a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. ADD the pasta and cook according to package directions, adding the asparagus to the pot for the final 5 minutes of cooking. WHILE the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the garlic, stirring occasionally, for 1 minute. ADD the shrimp and cook for 40 seconds, stirring. REMOVE from the heat and stir through the parsley and salt. ADD the drained pasta and asparagus and toss together gently to combine well. SERVE with lemon wedges for squeezing.

Variations: Use green beans or strips of green pepper instead of the asparagus.

© 2004 - 2008 MEDITERRASIAN.COM