Description
This Asparagus Lemon Pasta is a vibrant, refreshing dish that combines fresh asparagus, tangy lemon, and perfectly cooked pasta. The zesty lemon sauce complements the tender asparagus, making it an ideal meal for a quick weeknight dinner or a delightful addition to any gathering. In just 25 minutes, you’ll have a light yet satisfying pasta dish that’s full of flavor and nutrition.
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
1 lb (450g) spaghetti or your preferred pasta (penne, linguine, or fettuccine works too)
2 tablespoons olive oil (for sautéing)
Salt, to taste (for pasta water)
For the Asparagus Lemon Sauce:
1 lb (450g) fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
2 tablespoons olive oil (for sautéing)
2 garlic cloves, minced
Zest and juice of 1 lemon (for a fresh, citrusy flavor)
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (for richness and flavor)
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a little heat)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1/2 cup pasta water (reserved from cooking the pasta, helps to make the sauce creamy)
For Garnishing (Optional):
Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for color and freshness)
Extra Parmesan cheese (for serving)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions (typically 8-10 minutes) until al dente. Be sure to reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining the pasta. This starchy water will help to bind the sauce later, making it creamy and delicious.
Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and set it aside, but don’t forget to keep that reserved pasta water!
Step 2: Sauté the Asparagus
While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the asparagus pieces and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the asparagus is bright green and tender. Be careful not to overcook it—you want the asparagus to retain a bit of crunch and color. Stir occasionally to ensure the asparagus cooks evenly.
Once the asparagus is tender, add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1 minute, until fragrant. The garlic will bring out its rich, savory flavor and complement the freshness of the asparagus.
Step 3: Combine the Pasta and Asparagus
Now it’s time to bring everything together. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the asparagus. If the skillet is too small, you can combine the pasta and asparagus in a large mixing bowl. Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, and reserved pasta water to the mixture, and toss everything together. The pasta water will help create a light sauce that coats the pasta and asparagus beautifully.
Add freshly ground black pepper, salt, and red pepper flakes (if using) to taste. Toss the pasta until everything is well coated with the sauce, and the asparagus is evenly distributed. If you want the sauce to be creamier, you can add a bit more pasta water until you reach the desired consistency.
Step 4: Add the Parmesan Cheese
Once the pasta and asparagus are perfectly combined, sprinkle in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and toss again. The Parmesan will melt into the pasta, adding richness and depth to the dish. Continue tossing until the cheese is fully incorporated, and the pasta looks glossy and beautifully coated.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Transfer the pasta to plates or a large serving dish. For an extra pop of freshness and color, garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley. You can also add a little extra grated Parmesan cheese on top for that final touch of flavor. Serve the pasta immediately while it’s warm, and enjoy the zesty, creamy goodness!
Notes
Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure the cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature before using them in the dough. This will help the dough mix together more smoothly and avoid lumps.
Don’t Overcook the Spaghetti: Cook the pasta until it’s just al dente, as it will continue to cook while baking in the oven.
Add Extra Cheese: For an extra cheesy dish, sprinkle additional mozzarella or Parmesan on top of the pasta before baking, or even stir in some extra cheese into the creamy sauce.
Don’t Skip the Meat Sauce: While you can skip the meat sauce if you prefer, it adds so much depth and flavor to the dish. The savory meat sauce complements the creamy spaghetti perfectly.
Use Fresh Herbs for Garnish: Fresh parsley or basil adds a burst of freshness and a beautiful color contrast to the creamy pasta.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing, Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of the total recipe (about 1 plate)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 47 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
Keywords: Asparagus Lemon Pasta, Lemon Asparagus Pasta, Quick Pasta Recipe, Healthy Pasta with Asparagus, Light Lemon Pasta, Easy Asparagus Recipe, Lemon Pasta with Parmesan