Description
Asparagus Pasta with Lemon is a bright, fresh, and creamy vegetarian pasta dish featuring tender asparagus, fragrant garlic, tangy lemon, and rich Parmesan cheese. This easy and quick recipe combines the freshness of spring asparagus with a smooth, lemony cream sauce, making it perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Pasta and Vegetables
- 12 oz spaghetti or linguine
- 1 lb fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook 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 2–3 minutes of cooking, add the asparagus pieces to the boiling pasta water to cook simultaneously. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain pasta and asparagus.
- Prepare the Sauce Base: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30–60 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Add Cream and Seasonings: Pour in the heavy cream, then add Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Allow the mixture to gently simmer for about 2 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Incorporate Cheese and Lemon: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and fresh lemon juice, creating a creamy and tangy sauce base.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta and asparagus to the skillet with the sauce. Toss thoroughly to evenly coat the pasta and vegetables.
- Adjust Sauce Consistency: Gradually pour in the reserved pasta water, stirring continuously until the sauce achieves a smooth, creamy consistency that clings to the pasta.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese over the dish. Serve immediately while warm and flavorful.
Notes
- For a lighter version, replace half of the heavy cream with whole milk without sacrificing creaminess.
- Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or salmon to boost protein content and make the dish more filling.
- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the brightest lemon flavor.
- Do not overcook the asparagus; it should maintain a tender-crisp texture for the best taste and appearance.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat gently with a splash of water or broth to maintain sauce creaminess.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course, Pasta, Vegetarian
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired, Mediterranean-Inspired
