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Asparagus Pasta with Lemon and Parmesan Recipe

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3.9 from 38 reviews

  • Author: Chef
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Asparagus Pasta is a light and creamy pasta dish featuring tender asparagus, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and lemon. This quick and elegant meal perfectly combines fresh spring vegetables with a rich, tangy sauce, making it an ideal dish for spring and summer dinners.

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 12 ounces fettuccine or penne pasta

Sauce and Vegetables

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley or basil, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water before draining.
  2. Heat olive oil: In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil until shimmering.
  3. Sauté asparagus: Add the asparagus pieces and cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are tender-crisp.
  4. Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  5. Make the sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the asparagus and garlic. Stir continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
  6. Add lemon flavor: Stir in the lemon juice and lemon zest, mixing well to combine all the fresh flavors.
  7. Toss pasta and sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat evenly with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water to loosen it to your preferred consistency.
  8. Season and garnish: Taste and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or basil over the pasta before serving.

Notes

  • Add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein and more hearty meal.
  • Using freshly grated Parmesan cheese rather than pre-grated yields a smoother, creamier sauce.
  • This dish is best served immediately to enjoy the fresh texture and flavors.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Find it online: https://kitchenmartha.com/asparagus-pasta-with-lemon-and-parmesan-recipe/