Description
This Asparagus and Lemon Pasta recipe is a light, fresh, and flavorful Italian-inspired dish perfect for spring. Combining tender asparagus with zesty lemon, garlic, and Parmesan, it creates a vibrant and satisfying meal that can be prepared quickly on the stovetop. Its bright flavors and simple ingredients make it an ideal easy pasta dinner or a refreshing cold pasta salad.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Vegetables
- 12 oz pasta (such as linguine or spaghetti)
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
Flavorings and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1 lemon
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons reserved pasta water (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta and Asparagus: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. During the last 2 minutes of cooking, add the trimmed and cut asparagus pieces to the boiling water with the pasta.
- Drain and Reserve Pasta Water: Drain the pasta and asparagus together, reserving 2 tablespoons of the cooking water to use later if needed for moisture.
- Sauté Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Combine and Toss Ingredients: Add the cooked pasta and asparagus to the skillet. Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, grated Parmesan cheese, and a splash of the reserved pasta water if the mixture appears dry. Toss everything together to evenly combine and heat through.
- Season and Garnish: Season the pasta with salt and black pepper to taste. Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for a bright finish.
- Serve: Serve the pasta warm as a delicious main course. Alternatively, it can be served cold as a pasta salad, drizzled lightly with olive oil.
Notes
- For added protein, consider incorporating grilled chicken or shrimp.
- The dish can be served warm or cold; chilled it makes a refreshing pasta salad.
- If the pasta seems dry when mixing, add a little reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
- Red pepper flakes are optional and can be adjusted based on your spice preference.
