Description

Asparagus Pasta with Lemon & Garlic is a fresh, easy pasta recipe made with tender asparagus, garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, Parmesan cheese, and perfectly cooked pasta for a bright weeknight dinner full of simple spring flavor.

Ingredients

12 ounces spaghetti or linguine

1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces

3 tablespoons olive oil

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon lemon zest

2 tablespoons lemon juice

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 cup reserved pasta water, more as needed

1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

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Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup to 1 cup of pasta water, then drain.

2. While the pasta cooks, trim the asparagus and cut it into bite-sized pieces.

3. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

4. Add the asparagus and sauté for 3 to 5 minutes until bright green and just tender.

5. Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.

6. Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss everything together.

7. Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese and add reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce lightly coats the pasta.

8. Taste and adjust with salt if needed, then finish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.

Notes

Fresh lemon juice gives the cleanest flavor, so bottled juice is best avoided here.

Do not overcook the asparagus because it should stay bright and slightly crisp.

Reserve extra pasta water before draining in case the sauce needs loosening right before serving.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 420
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 320mg
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 59g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 15g
Cholesterol: 10mg