Roasted Asparagus and Garlic Pasta

Both of these recipes minus the shrimp come from my teammate mersaydees in the November 2009 Aussie/NZ recipe swap. I am a huge fan of asparagus - I wasn't always though. Thanks to my mother-in-law it's now one of my favorite veggies. The garlic pasta was a huge hit as we like this kind of thing anyway.

Roasted Asparagus with Parmesan
(This recipe amount calls for 4 servings - I made just enough for me as I am the only one here that likes it - I am posting the 4 servings amount.)

1 1/2 lbs asparagus
1 TBSP vegetable oil
course salt
fresh ground pepper
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Trim asparagus. On a rimmed cookie sheet mix asparagus with oil. Season with salt and pepper. Make sure there is a single layer and sprinkle with cheese. Roast in the oven about 10 minutes or until asparagus is tender. Serve immediately.

Garlic Pasta (with Shrimp - my addition)

8 garlic cloves
3 TBSP vegetable oil
1 cup whipping cream
salt
pepper
1 lb angel hair pasta (measured dry)
parmesan cheese or romano to taste
2 TBSP fresh parsley for garnish OR throw in some dried parsley to add a bit of color

Mince the garlic and saute in the oil for a few minutes. Add cream, a little salt and ample fresh ground black pepper. Simmer for a bit to reduce the cream. Toss cream with hot pasta. Add lots of cheese to taste and parsley for garnish.
**I made this a main dish by sauting shrimp and adding it over the pasta.