Pasta With Shrimp, Asparagus and Basil



8-9 ounces of spaghetti
1 cup packed fresh basil leaves
2 cloves of garlic
1 Tbs. olive oil
2 Tbs. each lemon juice and water
OR ½-1 cup homemade or commercial pesto sauce
Salt to taste
1-2 Tbs. olive oil
1 lb. asparagus cut into 2-inch pieces
¾ lb. large shrimp, cleaned
1/8 tsp. crushed red pepper

1. Cook spaghetti according to directions on package, drain and stir in 1 tsp. olive oil.
2. In a food processor with knife blade, or in a blender at high speed, process garlic, basil, lemon juice, water, olive oil and ½ tsp. salt until smooth.
3. Put approximately 1 Tbs. olive oil in skillet and cook asparagus over medium-high heat, stirring frequently until almost tender-crisp, about 5 minutes. Add shrimp, red pepper and ¼ teaspoon salt. Cook, stirring until shrimp turn pink, about 4 minutes.
4. In a large bowl, toss pasta with basil mixture, then stir in shrimp and asparagus.

4 servings