Description
A light, fresh, and flavorful Lemon Asparagus Pasta made with garlic, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, and fresh lemon. Ready in just 20 minutes for an easy healthy dinner.
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1 lb fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tsp lemon zest
- 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- Fresh basil leaves
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts (optional)
- Lemon slices for garnish
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook spaghetti until al dente.
2. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
3. During the last 2-3 minutes add asparagus to the pasta water.
4. Drain pasta and asparagus together.
5. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet.
6. Cook garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.
7. Add lemon zest and stir for 30 seconds.
8. Pour in lemon juice and reserved pasta water.
9. Add pasta and asparagus.
10. Toss well.
11. Gradually stir in Parmesan until creamy.
12. Season with salt, pepper and red pepper flakes.
13. Mix in parsley and basil.
14. Garnish with extra Parmesan, pine nuts and lemon slices before serving.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water for the silkiest sauce.
- Do not overcook the asparagus.
- Freshly grated Parmesan melts better than pre-shredded cheese.
- Serve immediately for best flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 470mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Lemon Asparagus Pasta, Healthy Pasta, Spring Pasta, Vegetarian Pasta