Penne with Grilled Shrimp, Asparagus and Pine Nuts

Yield: 6 Servings

Ingredients:

3/8 cup extra-virgin olive oil

2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced

1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary

2 tablespoons dry white wine

1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces

1 pound penne pasta

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

3 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish

1/2 cup toasted pine nuts (see Note)

Lemon wedges, for garnish

Method:
1. In a large glass or ceramic bowl, mix the olive oil, garlic, rosemary,     wine, vinegar and salt and pepper and whisk.

2. Rinse the shrimp and pat them dry. Add them to the bowl and stir them gently with the marinade to coat. Cover and refrigerate for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally.

3. Preheat the broiler.

4. About 10 minutes before serving, bring a saucepan of boiling salted water to a boil and cook the asparagus for about 5 minutes until crisp-tender. Drain and set aside.

5. Remove the shrimp from the marinade, arrange on an aluminum foil-lined broiler tray and broil for about 6 minutes, turning the shrimp once during cooking, until pink. Set aside.

6. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta for about 8 minutes or until al dente. Drain and return to the pot. Add the lemon juice and 3 tablespoons of cheese and toss well. Add the shrimp, asparagus and pine nuts and toss again. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve in shallow pasta bowls, sprinkled with more cheese and garnished with lemon wedges.

Note: To toast the pine nuts, spread them in a shallow pan and roast in a 350 degree F oven or toaster oven for 3 to 5 minutes until golden and fragrant. Immediately transfer to a plate to stop the cooking and cool. You may do this just before using, but because the broiler is being used to cook the shrimp, it may be more convenient to toast the pine nuts ahead of time.

 

Pantry Suggestions:
Penne with Grilled Shrimp, Asparagus and Pine Nuts-marinate some extra shrimp to thread on skewers, grill and serve as a first course or light meal. However, do not hold marinated shrimp in the refrigerator for more than 2 or 3 hours or they will turn soft and cottony. Use the same marinade later in the week with fresh shrimp.