Shrimp & Minty Garlic Orzo
Inspired by an old Bon Appétit recipe (1993)

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes

Serves 3-4

Ingredients:
1 cup orzo (this would also work with any short pasta)
2 tbsp butter
3 large garlic cloves, minced
1 lb large shrimp, peeled

tender asparagus spears, cut into 1-2" pieces, blanched
Juice of 1 large lemon
¼ cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Directions:
1. Boil pasta as per directions in salted water and drain.

2. In the meantime, heat the butter in a large heavy skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and stir for about 1 minute. Add the shrimp and cook for 1 minute, or until the underside turns pink.  Add the asparagus pieces and continue to cook for another minute or so,until the shrimp are pink (2-3 minutes total cooking time). Stir in lemon juice, pepper and mint. Toss and add the drained orzo.

3. Taste for seasoning and serve.