Elegant Penne with Asparagus and Shrimp

Ingredients and Weight:

• Penne pasta - 400 grams
• Fresh asparagus - 250 grams
• Large shrimp - 200 grams (peeled and deveined)
• Extra virgin olive oil - 3 tablespoons
• Butter - 2 tablespoons
• Salt and pepper - to taste
• White wine - 1/2 cup
• Freshly grated parmesan cheese - 2 tablespoons
• Fresh herbs (such as basil or oregano) - to garnish

Preparation Time:

• Preparation: 20 minutes
• Cooking: 30 minutes
• Total: 50 minutes

Difficulty Level:

Level 3 (Moderate difficulty)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Bring a pot of water to a boil and season with salt. Add the penne pasta and cook until al dente.
3. In the meantime, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the extra virgin olive oil and butter.
4. Add the shrimp and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until fully cooked and pink. Remove from the pan and set aside.
5. Cut the asparagus into small pieces and add to the boiling pasta water for the last 5 minutes of cooking.
6. In the same skillet, add the white wine and let it reduce by half. Add the cooked pasta and asparagus, and toss until well combined.
7. Return the shrimp to the pan, along with the parmesan cheese and fresh herbs. Toss gently to combine.
8. Transfer the penne pasta mixture to an oven-safe dish and bake for 5-10 minutes, until the top becomes slightly crispy and golden brown.
9. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve immediately.

Nutritional Information: (per serving)

• Calories: Approximately 450-500
• Fat: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 60g
• Protein: 25g

Dish Characteristics:

• A luxurious combination of pasta, seafood, and vegetables.
• The dish showcases a blend of flavors between the pasta, shrimp, and asparagus.
• The baking step gives the dish a crispy and golden brown exterior, enhancing its texture and taste.

User Comments:

1. "The dish was delicious! The combination of flavors was perfect."
2. "The baking step was a great idea, it gave the dish a unique texture."
3. "I loved the freshness of the asparagus and shrimp."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Make sure to use fresh ingredients for best results.
• Adjust seasoning according to personal taste.
• Be careful not to overcook the pasta, as it should be al dente for best texture.