I don’t know about you, but an advertised 20 minute recipe NEVER takes me 20 minutes.  This one was close tho ….. and very easy.  Not only easy, but delicious and I’m more than happy to spend a few more minutes to achieve delicious.

• 8 ounces dried tagliatelle pasta (or really, any pasta you like!)
• 2 tbsp butter (separated, see below)
• olive oil
• 10 ounces small, peeled and cleaned shrimp
• 3 garlic cloves (yes, really)
• 1/4 cup dry white wine (I like sauvignon blanc but any dry white will work – stay away from sweet tho)
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 3/4 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup thinly sliced onion
• 1 cup sliced crimini mushrooms
• 1 cup asparagus (cut into 1″ pieces)
• 1/2 cup minced sun dried tomatoes
• 1/2 tsp chili flakes (or to taste)
• 3/4 cup freshly grated parmesan (do NOT use purchased grated!)
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, minced
• black pepper
• more parmesan for serving

1. Get a large pot of water on the stove and bring it to a boil.  Salt and add pasta.  Cook to one minute short of the cooking instructions …. (in order to finish in the cream sauce).
2. Before draining, scoop out about 1/2 cup of pasta water.
3. Get a nice flat bottom skillet (non-stick works great here) and melt 1 tbsp butter.  Drain your shrimp and pat dry (you don’t want them to steam) ….. toss the shrimp into the melted butter and sauté quickly – until ALMOST cooked.  Depending on your shrimp size this might only take a minute or two.  There is nothing worse than rubbery, overcooked shrimp.  Well, okay, lots of things are worse including this COVID nightmare we are living through….  Remove from heat and lightly season with salt and pepper.
4. In the same skillet heat the other tbsp butter and add a splash of olive oil – once melted add the onions, sauté until soft, add mushrooms and cook until just lightly browned, then add the garlic, asparagus and sun dried tomatoes.  Add chili flakes.
5. Stir in the white wine and allow to reduce slightly, then add the chicken broth, cream and parmesan.  Season to taste ….  I didn’t need to add any more salt but that finishing black pepper is great.
6. Add your mostly cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to cover.  The sauce will continue to thicken and this is the time to add some of your reserved pasta water a bit at a time, only as needed.  Stir in the shrimp to heat through, toss with parsley and serve with a grating of fresh parmesan and black pepper.
7. Dig in!